The importance of community based tourism in the midst of gentrification

This post was written by Thuha Nguyen, the social media manager at Native Tours. Opinions expressed are solely their own.

In 2018 I got an exciting job offer in Lisbon, Portugal, and accepted it happily. It was during this time when tourists and expats had found their way to this lovely Mediterranean city that had been very much “under the radar” for many years. The warm weather, the affordable prices (for a Westerner, that is), and the abundance of cultural and entertainment opportunities were just some of the many things that attracted people to this city. 

However, one thing that slowly started to happen was a little thing called “gentrification”. For those who don’t know, tourism gentrification is defined as “the reinvestment of capital in the urban center to produce space for a more affluent class of people that are currently occupying that space”. Prices started rising, housing became a real issue for locals, and many unfortunately had to leave the city because of the costs. Socioeconomically vulnerable communities are oftentimes negatively impacted by this. This can cause communities to experience disruptions to their mental health, frustration, feelings of dispossession, and anger. 

But what does this have to do with Peru and Native Tours you might wonder? Well, gentrification isn’t just happening in Lisbon but in many places in the world, where tourism has started to boom, such as Peru. We want to encourage people to travel as sustainably and ethically as possible. We believe that community based tourism is one solution to do so. Not only does it promote cultural conservation, environmental protection and social responsibility, but it also encourages a deeper connection between the host and visitor. 

Why stay with a local family?

When you stay with a local family, you ensure that the economic benefits end up with the local people. It also helps preserve the local culture, cultural heritage, and natural heritage. Contributing to something good in the country you’re traveling to feels much better than being part of the negative, believe me! 

You’ll also truly get to know the local culture, be able to meet locals, experience the authentic way of living there, and you’ll get a much different perspective on how things work. Our mission at Native Tours has always been to enrich the experience of our travelers and simultaneously improve the lives of the communities. 

How does this help with gentrification? 

The issue with gentrification is that it often negatively impacts the locals. It pushes them out from their communities and the cultural diversity usually gets lost. This is the opposite of what we want. 

When tourism is managed by the community, it can help preserve local culture and traditions and prevent them from being lost due to gentrification. By showcasing the unique features of the community, such as its history, arts, and food, community-based tourism can attract visitors who are interested in experiencing authentic cultural experiences and supporting local businesses.

Moreover, community-based tourism can help create job opportunities for residents, thereby reducing the risk of displacement due to gentrification. By training and employing local people in the tourism industry, community-based tourism can contribute to the economic growth of the community and create a sense of pride and ownership. By involving the community in decision-making processes and revenue-sharing mechanisms, community-based tourism can also ensure that the benefits of tourism are distributed equitably among residents. This can help prevent wealth disparities that are often associated with gentrification.

Based on a fair-trade mode, Native Tours pays a fair price to the community residents in exchange for rich cultural activities, authentic local cuisine, and traditional communities. Instead of segregating the locals from the tourists, we encourage travelers to get closer to the local culture. Our belief is that both parties should benefit equally. Our hope is that you will leave not as the merely intrigued, curious visitor you might have arrived as, but as a valued acquaintance who parts company feeling you are part of this particular place and its people, history, and culture. 

Want to learn more about the communities we work with? Click here.