Stories

Tourism with purpose: The DERTOUR Foundation’s new projects at a glance

In 2025, we are proud to announce four new projects that embody this purpose. Whether in coastal Egypt, island communities in the Indian and Caribbean oceans, or rural towns in southern Europe and Southeast Asia, these projects demonstrate how the tourism sector can support local resilience, promote inclusive economic participation, and help restore fragile ecosystems.

Each initiative is shaped by strong local partnerships and backed by DERTOUR Group’s commitment to integrating sustainability into every step of the travel experience—from the hotels we offer, to the excursions we promote, to the way we engage with destination communities.

Stories

From Vision to Community Transformation: Smiling Gecko and DERTOUR Foundation’s Journey

As the DERTOUR Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we would like to introduce you to Smiling Gecko, a Swiss aid organisation which aims to support rural development in Cambodia.
The Smiling Gecko project has positively impacted the lives of socially disadvantaged Cambodians. A Swiss social entrepreneur, artist, and photographer, Hannes Schmid founded this aid project to help those living in impoverished conditions near Phnom Penh. Over a 150-hectare site, the project employs a holistic approach to uplift the community and provide opportunities and resources.

Stories

Ensuring Ecosystem Balance: WORC and DERTOUR Foundation’s Mangrove Conservation

As the DERTOUR Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we would like to introduce you to the Wildlife and Ocean Resource Conservation (WORC), an organization that has been at the forefront of ecosystem conservation in Sri Lanka. Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, offering protection against erosion, filtering pollutants, and serving as carbon sinks. WORC’s innovative approach involves planting mangrove trees strategically to create natural barriers, fostering growth and mitigating the impact of motorized boats that often threaten these delicate ecosystems.