Tourism is often seen as a way to explore new destinations, but its potential goes much further. When developed responsibly, tourism can strengthen communities, create education and employment opportunities, and support the protection of nature. In line with the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day, Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, which took place between September 27th-29th, the DERTOUR Foundation is proud to share how partners around the world are turning tourism into a tool for long-term progress.
Education & Empowerment
India – ACCESS Women Empowerment
In Udaipur, the “Lake City Rickshaws” initiative provides training for 50 women from low-income households. With support from DERTOUR, these women now operate eco-friendly e-rickshaws, offering visitors a unique way to explore the city. The project combines environmental benefits with economic opportunity, creating reliable income for families.
Egypt – Omar Ibn El Khatab NGO
In Safaga, our partnership with Omar Ibn El Khatab NGO shows how tourism can expand career opportunities. By renovating a tailoring workshop, women in the community gain both sustainable employment and practical training. This initiative strengthens economic independence and supports long-term social development.
Vietnam – KOTO Her Turn
KOTO (Know One, Teach One), Vietnam’s first social enterprise, uses hospitality training to prepare disadvantaged youth for careers in tourism. Participants receive accredited education and hands-on training in KOTO’s restaurants. This model helps young people build skills and confidence while creating pathways to stable employment.
Thailand – Pimali Foundation
The Pimali Foundation in northeast Thailand supports orphans and disadvantaged youth through practical hospitality training. More than 200 students have graduated over the past decade, positively impacting over 800 family members. With most alumni now working in hotels and restaurants, the program reduces poverty and opens doors to professional futures.
Tanzania – Africa Amini Alama Africa Amini Alama operates a Tourism School that provides young people with practical education, internships, and digital skills. Students are trained for careers in hospitality, guiding, and management, often moving directly into employment through the foundation’s tourism company, Africa Amini Life. This approach creates a steady pipeline of skilled workers for the local tourism sector.
Nature Conservation
Maldives – Coral Connection
In the Maldives, Coral Connection invites visitors to participate in coral reef conservation. At resort Marine Labs, tourists join hands-on research and restoration activities, connecting more closely with the marine environment. These initiatives help raise awareness and build partnerships for reef protection.
Dominican Republic – Fundación Ecológica Maguá
In Sosúa Bay, Fundación Ecológica Maguá is restoring coral reefs through ecological succession. Reef nurseries and sculptures are now part of the visitor experience, combining biodiversity protection with tourism. The healthier reefs benefit both the environment and the coastal economy, supporting local tourism operators.
Sri Lanka – Mangrove Conservation
In Sri Lanka, mangrove conservation work highlights the importance of innovative approaches to tourism. By focusing on cultural understanding and sustainability, the project encourages closer connections between visitors and local communities. This approach supports resilience and long-term development goals.
Animal Welfare & Conservation
Türkiye – Sea Turtle Protection
Our organization promotes tourism as a catalyst for social progress by integrating conservation, education, and community engagement. By collaborating with public institutions, municipalities, universities, and local hotels, we strengthen the connection between tourism and community benefit.These partnerships ensure that tourism revenues and activities not only support local businesses but also contribute to conservation efforts and social development. This way, we transform tourism into a tool that creates education, employment, and sustainable opportunities for the wider society.
South Africa – Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)
The work of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is not just about saving species—it’s about transforming landscapes and lives. Our work across Africa shows how conservation-driven tourism can uplift communities, protect biodiversity, and spark long-term social change. Tourism and conservation are deeply intertwined—when done right, tourism can be a powerful tool to protect ecosystems, empower communities, and fund long-term environmental stewardship.