Original Travel launches a Community Based Tourism (CBT) collection as part of its continued focus on responsible travel

Original Travel has launched a new collection of itineraries which focus on Community Based Tourism (CBT) and include community-owned and run accommodation and experiences.

Featuring Morocco, Guyana, Kenya, Ecuador and Namibia and more, the new 20-strong collection follows hot on the heels of a new collection of Indigenous Experiences, which launched earlier this month and is part of Original Travel's concerted efforts to promote responsible tourism.

Tom Barber, Co-founder of Original Travel says, 'When it comes to responsible travel, Community Based Tourism (CBT) is a key component. The term refers to tourism experiences and accommodation managed and/or owned by local communities, and where the economic benefits are proven to remain in the community rather than ending up offshore. While it is by no means prescribed, many Community-Based Tourism experiences also have a sustainability angle or encourage visitors to learn about the local culture and way of life through authentic interactions.

'We believe that a growing focus on Community Based Tourism will only help to make travel what it should be: A genuine force for good, and our aim is to greatly increase the number of these experiences and accommodation providers over time. We will inform clients when accommodation or experiences are owned by the local community, so they can make informed decisions on where their money can have the most positive impact.'

Sample package:

Safari and Coast: Classic Kenya

Kenya is a hero destination for CBT: The award-winning Il Ngwesi ecolodge near the Mararoi hills in Laikipia District opened in 1996, when the local Masaai elders made the critical decision to stop cattle ranching on one area of their land, build a high-quality eco-lodge and reintroduce game species. The wonderful result supports six Maasai villages with education, health and livelihoods projects by providing jobs and business opportunities through the lodge, new tourist activities and anti-poaching patrols. Profits from the lodge contribute towards secondary and university school fees and provide funds for local school buildings. There is also an exciting new opening due in October 2023 when new safari camp, Angama Amboseli will open. Located in the heart of the Kimana Sanctuary, Kenya's first community-owned conservancy, owned by 844 Maasai families, the camp will be set within a fever tree forest where some of Africa's last Super Tuskers roam — elephants with tusks so large they drag along the ground as they walk.

Prices from £4,565 per person, based on 2 sharing and including flights, transfers, 11 nights' B&B accommodation and guided activities. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk. 

Sample package:

Atlas Mountain Explorer, Marrakech

Located in the village of Imlil and in Toubkal National Park, is the Kasbah Du Toubkal, a community project property that is part-owned and run by Berbers under a shared belief that the beauty of the National Park should be accessible to all who respect it. The Kasbah has been awarded a slew of awards for services to sustainable tourism and staying at this lodge provides the community the ability to preserve the environment, support the local populations and specific NGOs such as Education for All, a charity that enables young girls from local villages to pursue their education by providing scholarships and boarding houses.

Prices from £1,470 per person, based on 2 sharing and including flights, transfers, 8 nights' B&B accommodation and guided activities. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk.

Sample package:

Wildlife Wandering in Guyana

Located close to the Pakaraima Mountains, Surama Eco-lodge is managed and conserved by the local Makushi Amerindian community. The lodge's cooks, farmers, drivers, fishermen, construction and maintenance workers are all recruited locally. The small village welcomes visitors and offers more than a place to stay. Children and local guides from the Makushi Amerindian community can show guests around the village, neighbouring wildlife, forest and grasslands. Along with accompanying guests on hikes, river canoe expeditions and visits to community schools and traditional events. There are eight circular huts with private bathrooms. There is no hot water but there is no need for it given the warm climate, along with the chance to detach from technology as there are no TVs or internet.

Prices from £3,055 per person, based on 2 sharing and including flights, transfers, 13 nights' B&B accommodation and guided activities. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk. 

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Follow us on instagram @originaltravel for more travel inspiration and for more information contact: press@originaltravel.co.uk; 020 3582 4990 

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Notes to Editors:

Original Travel curates tailor-made itineraries, crafted by destination experts, to 77 countries worldwide from Anguilla to Zimbabwe. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the company has created over 50,000 itineraries since its launch in 2003, each one unique and adhering to the company ethos that “Life is in the Detail”.

Original Travel also has its own specialist dive division. Original Diving is the world's only luxury dive travel outfit.

13 of our consultants were recognised in Conde Nast Traveler's 2023 Travel Specialists list, including repeat inclusions for Co-founder Tom Barber (family specialist), Jacqui Brooks (Indonesia specialist) and Oliver Rodwell (Mexico specialist). Our new additions include Ben Williams (Egypt), Kate Little (Romania) and Paul Tyler (Botswana).

Original Travel clients enjoy a wealth of additional services they would not find with any other UK tour operator, including:

• Access to a network of 70-plus Concierges who live locally, know their destinations inside and out and are extremely well-connected. They lend fantastic ground support, offering insider recommendations, facilitating any last-minute changes and troubleshooting.
• A brace of additional services designed to make departure easier than ever. Every Original Travel client, regardless of whether they're off on a city break, or a multi-destination sabbatical, will enjoy UK airport meet and greet, fast track UK check-in, fast track UK security*, lounge access and pre-booked flight seats. There are also upgrade options to include: a luggage transfer service from your home to the airport; fast track check-in and security and lounge access on your flight home; fast track through immigration on your return to the UK.
• The knowledge that not only will Original Travel absorb the carbon footprint of their international flights, but also - in an industry-first - car-hire and transfers, and other flights (even if booked independently).
• The knowledge that they are contributing to Our Foundation, which supports nearly 100 humanitarian projects in 30 developing countries. To date, nearly £1.5 million has been invested to support five key areas: child protection, vocational training, economic development assistance, preservation of cultural and natural heritage and safeguarding the lifestyles of indigenous peoples.