With a global shift towards protecting the rights of Indigenous communities, Original Travel has launched a new collection of itineraries which focus on the protection of Indigenous people and their culture and traditions

Original Travel has launched a new collection of seven itineraries focusing on Indigenous Tourism, featuring Australia, Botswana, Ecuador and beyond, playing its part in the global shift towards safeguarding the rights of Indigenous communities; in Australia, there has been a historic referendum that has secured a greater recognition for Aboriginal rights and returned swathes of land back to their traditional owners, whilst the momentous COP15 biodiversity deal ushers in a new era of Indigenous-led conservation.

Indigenous people represent some of the richest and most unique forms of cultural expression, with many communities having a profound relationship – both physical and spiritual - with their traditional lands. Interaction with these communities can be facilitated by Original Travel in a sensitive and mutually beneficial way, whether it's taking part in traditional practices together, learning about Indigenous history, art and culture or taking tours or staying in accommodation that is run by indigenous groups.

Tom Barber, Co-founder of Original Travel says, 'By encouraging dialogue with indigenous people in the development of tourism we hope to see a greater protection of indigenous culture, enhanced economic benefits for local communities and a diversification of tourism experiences. This is well-practiced in some areas of the world where indigenous projects thrive due to tourism; from Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours in Australia to the Kasbah Du Toubkal property in Morocco; with more emerging every year, such as the new Nemiah Valley Lodge in British Columbia that will open in June of 2023.'

Australia

The political developments in Australia are establishing the autonomy of indigenous groups and have transformed the landscape of indigenous tourism. The result is a move towards creating new experiences in Australia that empower indigenous entrepreneurs to share their heritage with visitors.  Whether its spearfishing with Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours, or guided rainforest tours that showcase indigenous plants and medicines or meeting aboriginal artists at the Injalak Arts and Craft Centre – these experiences support vital conservation projects and offer an unprecedented insight into truly unique communities.

Sample package: Original Travel's seventeen-day trip Exploring Australia's Aboriginal Culture with Remote Camping and Immersive Experiences costs from £9,830pp including return flights, transfers, 16 nights' B&B accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk

The Americas

The Americas have some of the most vibrant indigenous cultures in the world. In Latin America the autochthonous (indigenous, rather than descended from immigrants) communities are so diverse, from Peru, to Mexico, to Chile; practicing distinctive traditions, and embodying the resilient struggle against colonialism which silenced indigenous voices for centuries. Indigenous tourism allows the Americas to celebrate their indigenous heritage as part of their national identity. This is in full swing in Canada's British Columbia, where the Haida First Nations Community operate a lodge and cultural programmes on the North Coast, ensuring career opportunities for indigenous Haida citizens, along with strengthening the economy. Haida House is now being joined by indigenous-owned and operated Nemiah Valley Lodge, which will open for its first full season in the interior Chilcotin region of British Columbia in June 2023.

Sample Package: Original Travel's 13-day trip to British Columbia prices from £8,125 pp, based on four sharing and including flights, transfers, 12 nights' B&B accommodation and guided activities. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk.

Africa

The vast continent of Africa encompasses many indigenous populations. From the hunter-gatherer Zu'hoasi people of the Western Kalahari in Botswana, who teach visitors about how they navigate life in such a hostile and extreme environment to the indigenous Samburu people of Northern Kenya who offer a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-known world, and one essentially unchanged in thousands of years and run the Sarara Conservation where you can stay on Original Travel's Alternative Kenya itinerary. There are different types of accommodation to choose from, including secluded lodges, ensuite tents raised up into the forest canopy, treehouses and the Reteti house to accommodate a range of guests. Guests can go on unrestricted game drives with Samburu guides, walking safaris, fly camping under the stars, visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary where orphaned and abandoned elephant calves are taken in and experience many more extraordinary experiences.

Sample Package: Original Travel's Rhinos, Rivers and the Samburu itinerary costs from £5,290pp, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, 8 nights' B&B accommodation, activities and some meals. 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. Since its launch in 2003, it has created 50,000 itineraries, each unique and adhering to the company ethos that “Life is in the Detail”.

Original Travel is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd, who are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and who offer a brand new travel insurance policy that includes cover for cancellation or curtailment of a trip due to contracting coronavirus, or through being quarantined or refused permission to travel due to infection or suspected infection. This insurance policy is only valid for travel to countries where there is no FCDO advice against all but essential travel. Full details can be found on a new section on Original Travel's website, entitled 'Coronavirus Confidence'.

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). Also in 2022, Original Travel was named as one of world's Best Tour Operator's in Conde Nast Traveler's annual Reader's Choice Awards. 

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 long weekend to Seville, 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.