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Meet the People Tours Taking customers to the producers traidcraft-tours

Meet the People Tours Taking customers to the producers www.traidcraft-tours.com. 21-23 September 2007 . Tourism Session . Background Our approach The story so far Where do we go from here?. How it all started……. Study tours (not ‘holidays’) 15+yrs Initially, 4 or so a year.

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Meet the People Tours Taking customers to the producers traidcraft-tours

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  1. Meet the People Tours Taking customers to the producerswww.traidcraft-tours.com 21-23 September 2007

  2. Tourism Session • Background • Our approach • The story so far • Where do we go from here?

  3. How it all started…….. • Study tours (not ‘holidays’) 15+yrs • Initially, 4 or so a year. • Feedback always positive • Lots of staff time within TC • Intense experience • Dropped to 1 or 2 tours per year: India, Kenya • 6 years ago started talking to Skedaddle about alternative approach

  4. A new approach – ‘Meet The People’ • Our aim is to build understanding: • Of fair trade and its impact, difficulties and successes • The producers, their countries and culture • The broader issues people face • See a country, its natural beauty and wildlife • And have a great holiday with like minded people • ….develop producers understanding of us • …and develop experience of fair trade tourism

  5. A new approach – ‘Meet the People’ • Responsible / Fair trade approach • Transparency • Fair return • Long term relationship • Partnership with Local TO’s & Guides • Partners / producers benefit / get support • Feedback from Producers through TC • A commercial approach (TC model)

  6. A new approach – ‘Meet the People’ • Careful development of itineraries • Remote areas off the tourist trail • Briefing and reunions are key part of the experience • Light footprint / responsible travel • Small number of departures, small group max 12 to 14 • Not mass tourism • Responsible Travel Policy / Travellers Code • Carbon Off-setting for flights (customer optional)

  7. The story so far…….. • 1 to 12 tours - ‘02 & ‘07, 350 customers in last 5 yrs • Destinations • India, Thailand, Bangladesh, South Africa, Malawi, Kenya • Cuba, Philippines, Sri Lanka • NEW - Peru, Vietnam, Central America/Coffee, Ghana / Cocoa • Feedback - 97% Excellent / Very Happy • 65% of spend in in local economy • Donations to producers, projects • Customers gone on to help projects • Customers gone on to give talks / spread the word • We are getting there…..

  8. “I feel more determined to promote fair trade after seeing the benefits first hand that producers get, including self-respect and recognition of their skills” “My visit increased my belief in the importance of fair trade. “Best holiday yet!” India

  9. Kenya “I have a much better knowledge of the country and understanding of the people.” “It was really good to visit the producers.” “An outstanding holiday.”

  10. Thailand “ The trip has confirmed my commitment to provide a market for fair trade goods” “One of the best holidays I’ve ever had” “An amazing experience”

  11. South Africa “It was a life enhancing two weeks” “I appreciate the importance and complexities of work of Traidcraft.” “Much more than a holiday – it was an enriching experience in so many ways”

  12. What are benefits of the tours? • Buzz groups / small groups • From the perspective of ….. • Producers • Tour Operator Partners • Traidcraft • Customers • …and more widely

  13. Your holidays? • Did you have a holiday in last yr / 18 month • LH, EU, UK • How many? • 1, 2, 3, 4, more? • When last time on LH holiday? • Organised group or self organised • Would you consider a MTP as alternative?

  14. The Worlds largest Industry • Employs 200+ million people (8%) • 8% + of worlds GDP • 65 out of 69 of the LDC biggest FC earner • Predicted to double by 2020 • FT tourism 10 years behind commodities

  15. Problems of International Tourism • Cultural conflict • Working conditions • Displacement • Water shortages • Environmental impact • Exploitation of women / sex tourism

  16. Things to think about….. • Environment Impact • Biggest industry in the world, impacts on millions • Growing interest in responsible travel • Fair trade in tourism – a label? • Holidays are biggest annual purchase - why not make it that a fair trade one? • Should we expand?

  17. Where do we go from here? • Sell outside of TC customers? how? • Promote Fair Trade in tourism? • Support development of a label? • How big?

  18. Meet the People Tours Taking customers to the producerswww.traidcraft-tours.com 21-23 September 2007

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