Why are we doing this?

In 2007, tourists spent US$295 billion in developing countries; three times as much as the level of official development assistance given to developing countries (Mitchell and Ashley 2010 ODI Report). However, there are many places around the world in which poverty is still rampant despite high levels of tourism. We offer a way for tourism to be more beneficial to local development and communities.

Tourists visiting the developing world, when exposed to the numerous problems caused by poverty, often want to do something to help. We provide a unique opportunity for these socially conscious tourists to learn about local communities and their culture, to witness development challenges and the potential of microfinance first-hand and, most importantly, to leave the community they visit better off. Not only is this a powerful and enjoyable tourism experience, it also provides an amazing new and effective way to become personally engaged in the fight against poverty.