Due to its natural and cultural variety, Ecuador is one of the most visited countries in South America, a mass tourism that does not bring any benefit to the local communities. About 20 years ago, they began to talk about community-based tourism; in particular indigenous tourism, given the huge presence of indigenous peoples all across the country (14 nationalities and 25 indigenous peoples live in Ecuador).
In 2002, a group of local communities set up the Community-based Tourism Plurinational Federation (FEPTCE), which brings together, under a democratic and decentralised structure, 130 communities (not only indigenous communities). They work mainly in four areas: cultural revitalisation, social organisation, solidarity economy and defence of the territory.
Picture: Feptce.org
Related links:
http://www.feptce.org – Official website
http://www.sumak-travel.org – Tour operator specialised in Community-based Tourism
A full article about this initiative is coming soon. Follow us on Facebook and or Twitter email in order to know when it happens.
Related article: Prainha do Canto Verde, in Brazilian nordeste.