In a world grappling with the challenges of over-tourism and unsustainable travel practices, the need for responsible and community-led tourism has never been more evident. Recently, our team at CHN had the privilege of hosting a highly engaging session at Traditional Comfort, with PUM International Senior Expert Paul van Hek. As a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with 30 years of experience, Paul’s expertise in sustainable tourism development, particularly in India and surrounding countries, makes his insights invaluable. With the support of PUM International (Dutch Ministry of Trade and Development), we were able to collaborate and request Paul to share his wealth of knowledge on Trends in Sustainable & Experiential Tourism in the European and US markets for wider tourism stakeholders here in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Driving Sustainable Tourism: The Role of DMCs and Tour Operators
The workshop explored the critical responsibility that lies with Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and tour operators in shaping the future of travel. Recognizing the growing inclination of travelers toward more sustainable options, the session emphasized the need for industry players to diversify their products and actively promote responsible choices. As advocates for Community-Led Tourism (CLT) initiatives, our team sees this as a platform to amplify fair practices within the industry and encourage collaborative efforts to create solutions.
The session particularly emphasized Community-Led Tourism (CLT) in capturing the fast-growing market, highlighting its role in creating authentic, sustainable, and community-driven experiences. The key challenges identified during the session regarding community tourism include the need to enhance homestay services, standardize certifications, and elevate B2C & B2B marketing and sales efforts. With the market showing exponential growth, the focus was on overcoming these challenges through a disciplined sales process, emphasizing direct and challenging approaches, and ensuring ease of buying. Paul stressed the significance of being specific about differentiators, certifications, and collaboration possibilities in the B2B/trade sector. The overarching message was that aligning with experiential and sustainable tourism is pivotal for future success in the dynamic and expanding market.
Our team members highlighted the prevailing issues in the tourism sector, emphasizing the role of industry professionals in promoting local, community-led experiences. These experiences not only provide travelers with a deeper understanding of the destination but also foster cross-cultural connections and support small-scale enterprises rooted in the community.
The session attracted 43 participants, including 19 travel agencies (12 new, 7 existing), 2 tech companies, 3 homestays/accommodations, and 1 artisan. The diverse group actively engaged in group interactions and a Q&A session, showcasing a shared commitment to responsible tourism practices. The event served as a platform for local travel agents, tour operators, and DMCs to explore community-led tourism and gain valuable updates on sustainable and experiential travel trends in European and US markets.
CHN’s Vision: Leading the Way in Sustainable Tourism in Nepal
In conclusion, the insightful session with Paul van Hek has left a lasting impact on our team and participants. We are grateful for the opportunity to enhance industry knowledge and foster collaborative efforts for a more responsible and impactful future. As we navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable tourism, the shared commitment of industry professionals becomes the driving force behind positive change. Thus, we extend a warm invitation to tour operators and travel agents seeking to incorporate community-led experiences into their itineraries which, we believe, is the new horizon for tourism in the coming years.
At CHN, we are dedicated to fostering sustainable and experiential tourism practices, and we welcome partnerships that align with our vision. To elevate your offerings with authentic, community-driven experiences in Nepal, we invite you to connect with us. Together, let us position Nepal as a hub for sustainable and experiential tourism, contributing to a more conscious and harmonious travel industry.
CommunityHomestay - Team
Community Homestay Network is a leading provider of authentic and immersive local travel experiences. We connect global travelers with real and authentic Nepal by letting them stay with the locals and experience a typical Nepali lifestyle. Our experiences are designed with the goal of leaving positive impact on the local communities and environment.
