GX India highlights the power of community tourism

“I love driving myself and I know how powerful it makes you feel,” says Meenu Vadera from behind the wheel during my transfer from Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly after arriving in Delhi, India.

Vadera is the founder of Azad Foundation and the program Women With Wheels, a social enterprise that trains resource poor women for careers as professional commercial drivers.

“We started in 2008 mainly because in India, female participation in the labour force has been declining over the years,” she says as we make our way to the hotel. “And most of the women who are employed are working in jobs that are not very well paying. Our idea wasn’t just to get some money into the hands of women. Our goal is to be able to empower them so they can drive their own lives. For us, driving was a way to get them out of their homes, train them in a livelihood with dignity and enable them to empower themselves.”

GX Community Tourism Summit now underway

All 400 plus participants taking part in the GX Community Tourism Summit underway in India this week were met by Women With Wheels at the airport to get a firsthand look at the initiative. It’s an example of the type of project that G Adventures’ non-profit foundation Planeterra supports in the destination.

“We started in 2008 and at the time there was no professional female chauffeur — at least in all of north India,” she says. “When we started it was really tough because people had so many reservations against being driven by women drivers. It began with two cabs and taking a few travellers.”

To help the business grow, the foundation provided funding for Women With Wheels to expand its vehicle fleet. They continue to support and invest in their training program.

Today, G Adventures travellers arriving in India can opt in for this transfer ahead of a tour, which drives about 50 per cent of their business, she says.

Community tourism shines

This week participants from around the globe are on location in India to delve into projects like Women With Wheels and witness the power and positive impact community tourism can have on a destination.

Along with taking in iconic sights like the Taj Mahal, various groups ranging from suppliers and agents to travellers and Planeterra supporters will visit some of the enterprises and initiatives that the tour operator supports. It’s all about experiencing how tourism can change the lives and livelihoods of local people and communities.

“If the hero of this trip is India, in terms of the destination, if India is the Batman, then the Robin is the concept of community tourism,” says Bruce Poon Tip, the founder of G Adventures. “India wants to invest in this tourism. They’re super supportive of community tourism and the idea of poverty alleviation through tourism.”

All groups will come together for a World Community Tourism Summit day in Jaipur, which coincides with World Tourism Day on Sept. 27.

“The goal of the World Community Tourism Summit is to bring top thought leaders together to both share their knowledge and discuss what more can be done to ensure tourism benefits all involved,” he says.

Later that night a private pink themed party will be held at Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur, which is known as the Pink City. The party will see a performance by nineties dance act C+C Music Factory, known for hits like “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” and “Here We Go.”

Meet the Canadians

In total, 15 Canadian agents earned a spot at GX Summit on a track called Change Makers, which is made up of roughly 75 travel advisors. In addition to 10 top sellers from Canada, an additional five wildcard spaces were chosen among those who made a G Adventures booking during the eligibility period along with completing other tasks like finishing G-learning training modules or fundraising for Planeterra.

“I found out I was selected when Hilary [Arsenault], the GPS for G Adventures in my region, called me with the wonderful news. She knew how hard I had worked to qualify and wanted to share it personally. It was so sweet of her to call all the way from Jordan on a video call,” Chantal Fader of Nexion Canada tells PressToday. “I’m definitely looking forward to reconnecting with the agents I met in Peru at the first GX Summit and mingling with others who believe in the power of community tourism. Of course, I’m also eager to see the Taj Mahal with my own eyes.”

Another agent who made the list for the second year in a row was Kathy Hannah, a home based consultant with Roblin Travel and Cruise in Chilliwack, BC.

“GX Peru was amazing with the warm welcomes and special projects with the beautiful people of Peru. And the summit and final gala was like nothing I had ever experienced. I really didn’t think I was going to make the top 10 this year as some agents had really amazing sales numbers, but I did. I kept selling and keeping my fingers crossed. When I received the email from Jenna [English] on June 5th, I was absolutely shocked and was literally jumping up and down with excitement,” she shares. “I’m looking forward to everything in India and would really like to embrace their culture and history. I would love to return with a group in the future. The Golden Triangle has always been on my must see list so this opportunity will be amazing, from anyone who has travelled to India they tell me it is life changing and a favourite. I thought that about Africa so I’m ready for the shock and awe of it all.”

Val Burnett of Nexion Canada says she was thrilled to learn from her GPS Ana Santa Maria that she was one of the top-selling Canadian agents.

“Having experienced GX Peru last year, I know that this is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity,” she exclaims. “In India, I’m excited to see the Taj Mahal, but what I look forward to the most are the Planeterra projects. Experiencing the recently unveiled social enterprises in India firsthand is truly an honour. This is just another example of why we all love G Adventures for their commitment to community tourism, empowering women, preserving cultures, and supporting the families and communities they visit, all while offering unforgettable experiences. India is going to be an amazing adventure!”

Laura Leys, an Edmonton based agent with Fareconnect, also recalled finding out from Santa Maria that she was going to India.

“I did not think I made the cut. Even being here now it does not feel real. Seriously how is this my life?!” she says. “G goes above and beyond not only for their clients but for their agents. I absolutely love the company and what it stands for so to be here incredible!”

Stay tuned for more in destination coverage and to find out where the next GX Summit will be held.