GX World Community Tourism Summit 2024 Takes Place in Jaipur
On September 27, 2024, the GX World Community Tourism Summit was successfully held in Jaipur, India, organized by G Adventures in collaboration with its non-profit partner, Planeterra. This event marked its second annual gathering, focusing on the transformative power of community tourism.
Empowering Communities through Tourism
The Summit emphasized how community tourism can profoundly impact lives, creating positive social change while addressing pressing challenges such as climate change and gender equality. Discussions highlighted the role of tourism in empowering women throughout India to achieve economic independence.
Gathering nearly 500 participants from various sectors of the travel industry—including travel agents, partners, and travelers—the event was sponsored by Incredible India, celebrating the spirit of travel and cultural exchange.
Highlighting Community Tourism Projects
Jamie Sweeting, the president of Planeterra, discussed Project 300, aiming to uplift 300 communities through travel by 2030. Over the past year, 13 new community tourism enterprises joined the G Adventures itinerary, including notable initiatives like the Pink City Rickshaw in Jaipur, enabling local women to drive eco-friendly e-rickshaws, and Sheroes Hangout in Agra, which provides opportunities for survivors of acid attacks.
Trees for Days Initiative
The event also highlighted the Trees for Days initiative, which aims to plant one tree for each day a traveler spends on a G Adventures trip. By the end of 2024, over three million trees are expected to be planted, benefiting over 40,000 community members across 14 countries.
Influential Speakers Share Insights
A key moment at the Summit was a conversation between G Adventures’ founder Bruce Poon Tip and Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler. They reflected on the historical journey of responsible tourism and the evolving landscape of community tourism, emphasizing its vital role in shaping the future of travel.
Among the prominent speakers were:
- Aayusha Prasain – Community Homestay Network
- Aranya Johar – Poet
- Brian Young – G Adventures
- Elizabeth Becker – Author of “Overbooked”
- Ernest White II – Fly Brother
- Jaideep Bansal – Global Himalayan Expeditions
- Meenu Vadera – Azad Foundation
- Paras Loomba – Global Himalayan Expeditions
- Shivya Nath – The Shooting Star
Future of Community Tourism
During the event, a new five-year partnership was announced between Planeterra and G Travel Community (GTC) member G Touring, featuring a donation and match funding model to spearhead future community tourism projects.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The conclusion of the Summit brought exciting news about its next hosting destination. The upcoming GX Summit will take place in Jordan in September 2025, sponsored by the Jordan Tourism Board North America and supported by USAID Jordan through the Tourism, Resilience, Innovation, and Promotion Activity (TRIP). This event will also coincide with the 35th anniversary of G Adventures.
As community tourism continues to evolve, the impact of initiatives like Project 300 and Trees for Days is set to enhance the lives of many, demonstrating the powerful role that travel can play in fostering global communities.
