Responsible tourism takes root in Madagascar
Evaneos, a platform advocating responsible tourism, and Planeterra, a community tourism non-profit, have joined forces to promote sustainable travel experiences in Madagascar. This new collaboration aims to empower local communities and ensure tourism benefits those it directly impacts.
Through this partnership, Evaneos and Planeterra will train and financially support three community-based tourism initiatives in 2024, with Madagascar being one of the beneficiaries. The support package includes funding to upgrade local tourism infrastructure, technical training workshops, and long-term mentorship programmes. Evaneos has pledged a significant investment of US$319,671 this year, with plans to increase this contribution in the future.
Planeterra will act as the on-ground project manager, collaborating closely with local communities to ensure projects align with their needs and aspirations. Participating local companies will be integrated into Evaneos' global network of independent travel agents, granting them access to a wider market. Evaneos has also committed to incorporating at least 50 additional community tourism initiatives into its platform by 2025.
One such community tourism project is Razafindrabe, a women-led social enterprise established in Madagascar in 2012. Razafindrabe empowers local women by promoting traditional Malagasy raffia crafts, fostering economic independence while safeguarding the island's cultural heritage.
Through this initiative, over 100 women can now utilise their skills to create unique handicrafts and gain valuable business acumen.
Source: America Economia