Tourexpi
This
initiative seeks to identify and support innovative tourism projects that
highlight the richness of cultural expressions and the relationship with the
environment of Indigenous peoples in the region.
Indigenous
tourism allows communities to feature and revitalize their cultures through
authentic tourist experiences. It makes it possible for travellers to get to
know native peoples, by experiencing first-hand their traditions, customs and
ancestral knowledge. Through this type of tourism, Indigenous communities
foster their autonomy and sustainable development, preserve their cultural
identity and strengthen their role in the management of their heritage and
tourism as an economic activity.
The
challenge is designed to make indigenous tourism a key driver for economic
development, while deeply respecting community autonomy, ancestral traditions
and the natural environment on which Indigenous peoples' lives depend.
What
does the challenge seek? The initiative focuses on projects that promote:
·
Economic empowerment: Proposals
that promote the economic autonomy of Indigenous communities, increasing their
capacities to directly manage the benefits of tourism.
·
Cultural preservation: Initiatives
that safeguard traditions, languages, rituals, and other cultural expressions
through tourism experiences that directly take communities into account.
·
Gastronomy promotion: Activities
that promote the culinary traditions of the region, with the participation of
local producers and markets.
·
Community innovation: Disruptive
initiatives that add value to the tourism sector without altering the
traditional way of life of communities and that take them into account.
Prizes
and benefits for participants
Finalists
will receive specialized mentoring, access to global networks in the tourism
sector, and unique opportunities for international visibility. The winning
project will receive investment backing of USD 10,000, as well as support
to implement its initiative.
Natalia
Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, highlighted: "The indigenous
tourism that UN Tourism has been promoting for a decade is not only a way to
promote the artistic and culinary expressions or knowledge of Indigenous
peoples; it is also a tool to protect the traditions and ancestral wisdom that
characterize the region. We encourage young people to come forward and lead the
way for sustainable development in communities. Because the future of tourism
is theirs, it is in our hands to ensure that the most human of economic sectors
shines and flourishes".
Oscar
Rueda García, CAF's Director of Tourism, said: "This is an invitation to
undertake experiential tourism projects that make it possible to learn from the
culture and knowledge of our 'elder brothers'. This living culture is a
treasure of Latin America and the Caribbean given that we have more than 800
Indigenous peoples and their population is 10% of the region. The application
period is open until 15 June and the presentation of the winner will be made on
9 August, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples"
UN
Tourism and CAF invite entrepreneurs, tour operators, community associations,
and entities dedicated to the development of indigenous tourism to participate
in this call and contribute to the strengthening of the sector in the region.
Image
Credit: © UN Tourism
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