Andaman Discoveries Blog
Friday, October 30, 2009
Familiarity Breeds Connections
FAM Trips Promote Region
Andaman Discoveries and the North Andaman Community Tourism Network recently hosted two familiarization (“FAM”) trips, and were honored to host media and leaders in Southeast Asian tourism. As the name implies, the goal of the trip is to provide potential partners with an overview of the richness of area and its potential for responsible tourism. Nick of Buffalo Tours observed: “[T]he best parts of the FAM were when we were hanging out with the Muslim villagers. Spending time with local people in a respectful manner offers the chance for cultural exchange.”People from Berlin to Bangkok attended. From the Thai perspective, Rattanaporn from SpiceRoads tours observed that our community-based tours and homestays are “a good trip for Thais to learn more about our country and culture, and discover sustainable travel.”
The tour also provided an exchange of ideas, while giving the villagers additional experience with groups and media. The program included livelihood activities in five villages, as well as optional visits to the Burmese Learning Center and a local orphanage. “Being a part of this trip was brilliant. It gave me an opportunity to build stronger ties with villagers through further collaboration,” said Karen Spackman, Andaman Discoveries client and community relations manager.
The FAM Trip is essential to the support and development of Andaman Discoveries and N-ACT programs. Thank you to all who participated in the event. If you’re interested in collaborating and exchanging ideas about responsible tourism, please contact us to learn more about attending our next FAM trip.
Labels: community development, community-based tourism, FAM tour, Thailand tourism, Thailand tours
Polls Closing!
Please Vote for us Today
Thank you to everyone who has already voted for us in the BBC World Challenge -- we sincerely appreciate your support. “The BBC World Challenge is a chance for us to share the difference we are making. Whether it’s providing income to women’s handicraft groups or training the next generation of conservationists, community-based tourism allows visitors to enjoy the traditional Thai way of life, while helping to preserve the unique culture of our region,” Tui Chomphusri, Director of Andaman Discoveries, observed.
Voting is open until midnight (GMT) on Nov. 13. If you haven’t had a chance yet, please help us and take a moment and vote today!
The World Challenge is a global competition aimed at finding projects or small businesses from around the world that have shown enterprise and innovation at a grassroots level. Andaman Discoveries is one of 12 finalists is this competition. The winners will be announced in December.
Thank you to everyone who has already voted for us in the BBC World Challenge -- we sincerely appreciate your support. “The BBC World Challenge is a chance for us to share the difference we are making. Whether it’s providing income to women’s handicraft groups or training the next generation of conservationists, community-based tourism allows visitors to enjoy the traditional Thai way of life, while helping to preserve the unique culture of our region,” Tui Chomphusri, Director of Andaman Discoveries, observed.
Voting is open until midnight (GMT) on Nov. 13. If you haven’t had a chance yet, please help us and take a moment and vote today!
The World Challenge is a global competition aimed at finding projects or small businesses from around the world that have shown enterprise and innovation at a grassroots level. Andaman Discoveries is one of 12 finalists is this competition. The winners will be announced in December.
Labels: BBC World Challenge, community-based tourism, conservation, Thailand tourism
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