Planeterra to expand community tourism in Thailand, Greece & Spain

A new partnership between the DERTOUR Group, DERTOUR Foundation and Planeterra (G Adventures' non-profit partner) is set to expand opportunities for community tourism in Thailand, Greece, and Spain.

The collaboration will focus on co-developing at least five fully developed community tourism experiences by 2026, reads a press release, with the goal of increasing visibility and access to market for local enterprises

The gaol is to support socio-economic development, community resilience, and environmental conservation—through tourism that is led by and benefits local communities.

Established in 2024, the DERTOUR Foundation has already supported nearly 100 initiatives in 28 destinations around the world. This new partnership with Planeterra marks an important step in scaling the Foundation’s support for local tourism enterprises in a way that is aligned with community priorities.

“We’ve got ambitious plans for the Foundation and this partnership will allow us to scale up our projects in some of our core destinations,” said Claire Ross, director of sustainability at DERTOUR UK.

“By investing in community-led tourism, we’re not only enriching our travellers’ experiences but also helping to build a more inclusive and resilient tourism industry. We’re proud to support projects that celebrate local culture, protect the environment, and create lasting economic opportunities.”

The types of experiences supported through this partnership will reflect the diversity and strengths of each local context—ranging from women-led cooperatives to youth-run enterprises and cultural associations.

Whether it’s a shared meal, a guided walk, or a hands-on workshop, the focus is on ensuring that communities are at the centre of designing, leading, and benefiting from the tourism experiences they offer.

“This partnership represents a shared commitment to placing communities at the centre of the tourism experience. With DERTOUR, we have an opportunity to co-create experiences that reflect local priorities, strengthen community economies, and offer travellers meaningful connections. It is about building a tourism model that benefits communities and that truly works for them,” added Jamie Sweeting, president of Planeterra.

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