At REYA, we like to think Tourism, often highlighted for its role in economic development, can also significantly foster peace. On a global level, where nations are interconnected and interdependent, Tourism, an industry made by people and for people, emerges as a compelling and dynamic force that defies stereotypes and challenges prejudices.
This sector can be perceived as the epitome of intercultural dialogue; it allows meeting “others," learning about different cultures, hearing foreign languages, tasting exotic flavors, bonding with people, and building tolerance. In essence, it is a mind-broadening educational and spiritual experience. World Tourism Day 2024 is themed around "Tourism and Peace," highlighting the vital role of the travel sector in encouraging harmony and understanding between nations and cultures and supporting reconciliation.
REYA is proud to highlight the profound impact that thoughtful travel can have in promoting respect and admiration through cross-cultural communication. World Tourism Day’s focus and impact resonate deeply with our mission to promote tourism as a force for good. We’re thrilled to share how some of our esteemed clients are leading the way in creating meaningful cultural exchanges that celebrate our shared curiosity and love for experiencing new things.
1. Gahinga Lodge Batwa Resettlement Village & Heritage Experience
The Batwa are considered among the oldest surviving indigenous people in the Central African Region. Known for their unique culture in the forests, the Batwa of the Virunga Mountains survived by hunting small game, gathering plants and fruits, living in caves, and constructing huts of leaves and branches.
The Virunga Mountains are also home to the endangered mountain gorillas, which have become the only great ape whose population is on the rise after years of conservation efforts. Such efforts meant gazetting these forests to create a protected national parks system.
As a result, the Indigenous Batwa, who have lived in these forests for millennia in harmony with nature and the gorillas, were exiled and forced to leave behind their livelihood, culture, traditions, and ties to this ancestral land. Overnight, they became Conservation Refugees, stripped of their human rights for 25 years.
In 2018, the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust built a permanent village for 18 Batwa families on 10 acres of land to build homes and a community center, as well as land for agricultural and recreational use. Today, the Gahinga Batwa community comprises over 147 adults and children who now have a home and access to education, medical care, skill training, and more.
Guests of Gahinga Lodge are welcomed on a guided visit to learn more about their culture, traditions, struggles, and hopes for the future. Guests are also encouraged to participate in the Batwa Heritage Tour back at the lodge, which consists of a demonstration-based herbal garden, a small collection of traditional huts, and a short trail that allows the Batwa to demonstrate how they used to live, hunt, and collect honey and other forest resources.
These interactions help preserve their endangered culture by encouraging the next generation of Batwa born outside the forest to learn and share their heritage with not just travelers but their own neighbors.
Praveen Moman, Founder of Volcanoes Safaris and Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trus, says of the project, “As a leading luxury lodge company offering unique safari and cultural experiences to our guests, we are also very proud of our company ethos to support communities around our lodges. Uganda is one of Africa’s most beautiful and diverse countries, and we want to help preserve its rich culture. We are excited to see this project come to fruition after many years of working with the Batwa and understanding their culture and desperate needs”.
2. Honoring Navajo Heritage with EXP Journeys in the USA
EXP Journeys offers an extraordinary cultural experience with the Navajo Nation, featuring private storytelling sessions with Navajo Code Talker Peter MacDonald, Sr. Guests have the rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of the Navajo Nation’s contributions during World War II, while also learning about the enduring cultural traditions of the Navajo people. This experience is further enriched by a visit to Monument Valley, where guests can witness a live hoop dancing presentation and engage in meaningful conversations with their Navajo guide. Through these interactions, travelers gain a deeper understanding of Native American history and culture, honoring the legacy of the Navajo people.
These experiences, also leave a lasting impact as the EXP Foundation supports the Yee Ha’ólníi Doo, a grassroots, indigenous-led, nonprofit organization, focused on empowering Navajo and Hopi people with the fortitude to overcome challenges through traditional principles of self-reliance and interrelatedness.
3. Farmhouse Visits with Gangtey Lodge in Bhutan
Nestled in the serene Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Lodge offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local culture of Bhutan. The valley is home to two main ethnic groups—the Phobjibs and the Gangteps—who have lived for generations farming potatoes, wheat, buckwheat, and barley. Guests at Gangtey Lodge are invited to visit a traditional farmhouse, where they can immerse themselves in the daily lives of the local community. Spend time with a family, learn how to make traditional butter and cheese, and even join in the harvest of potatoes and turnips in season. This experience offers a genuine glimpse into the heart of Bhutanese culture and the warm hospitality that defines it.
4. Kuria Cultural Experience with Asilia Africa in Tanzania
In the northern Serengeti, Asilia Africa offers guests at Sayari or Olakira Migration Camp a unique cultural experience with the Kuria tribe, whose rich traditions are often overshadowed by the more well-known Maasai. The Kuria Cultural Experience takes travelers to a traditional Kuria homestead, where they can participate in lively dances, learn to play traditional instruments, and hear stories passed down through generations. For those seeking a more immersive experience, Asilia also arranges evening gatherings with Kuria tribe members at camp, allowing guests to swap stories around the campfire and participate in traditional music and dance. This experience preserves the Kuria's cultural heritage and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of their way of life.
Furthermore, traveling to an Asilia camp allows you to engage with another culture, with nearly all camp staff local to Kenya or Tanzania. One of the key advantages of a driving safari is the quality time you have with your local guide. As you get to know each other, the opportunity opens for a far deeper level of communication and understanding than what can be achieved through a village visit. These scenarios can provide an equally immersive opportunity for dialogue, bonding, and knowledge sharing.
5. Engaging with Amazonian Communities through Delfin Amazon Cruises in Peru
Weaving community focus into the fabric of its operations, Delfin Amazon Cruises emerges as an unrivaled destination that seamlessly integrates luxury with a genuine connection to the communities within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. With programs that foster women’s entrepreneurship, cultural heritage, and positive impact, Delfin encourages its passengers to engage with the local artisans they support, learning about natural materials and traditional techniques and listening to their stories.
At REYA, we believe that travel is more than just a journey; it is a bridge between cultures, a means to foster curiosity and promote acceptance amongst our differences across borders. This World Tourism Day, we celebrate our clients who are committed to these values, and we invite the media to explore these stories that showcase the power of tourism in creating a more connected and harmonious world.
For more information on any of these experiences or to discuss potential feature opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Alexandra Avila at alexandra@reyacommunications.com.
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