DERTOUR Foundation eV and the international non-profit organization Planeterra have entered into a partnership to better involve local communities in tourism offerings at travel destinations. As part of the collaboration, at least five new projects are to be created by 2026, which will then be included in the programs of the DERTOUR Group’s tour operators. The initial focus is on Thailand, Greece, and Spain.
In a collaborative development process, the initiatives are supported in expanding their offerings in a professional and sustainable manner. “One thing is particularly important to us: The communities actively shape the journey – on an equal footing, with passion, and with the goal of long-term self-determination,” emphasizes Steden. The newly developed offerings will be integrated into DERTOUR’s existing tours. This gives DERTOUR Group guests the opportunity to engage in genuine interaction with local people, gain new perspectives, and directly support local projects.
“In close collaboration with local communities, we want to create even more travel experiences that both meet travelers’ needs and bring about concrete, positive change on the ground,” says Laura Steden. With this approach of community-based tourism, the DERTOUR Foundation creates long-term economic prospects for local people and thus contributes to the protection of the environment and culture. Plans include collaborations with non-profit organizations, women’s initiatives, youth projects, and social enterprises. The focus is always on the sustainable benefit for the local population and the respectful treatment of nature and cultural heritage, for example through authentic experiences such as shared meals with locals, cultural workshops, or guided hikes with a local guide.
Jamie Sweeting, President of Planeterra, adds: “This partnership demonstrates our shared goal: to give local people a central role in tourism. Together with the DERTOUR Foundation, we are creating experiences that reflect local needs, strengthen the local economy, and enable travelers to experience real encounters.”
