Planeterra Celebrates Successful Year of Uplifting Connections

Created by G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip in 2003, the Planeterra Foundation was designed to empower vulnerable communities globally by connecting them to tourism opportunities, making travel a force for good, and supporting local economies through community-based tourism initiatives.

Over the next two decades-plus, Planeterra says one thing has remained constant: communities are shaping tourism in ways that reflect their own priorities, values, and visions for the future. 

In the past couple of years, Travel Market Report Canada has visited Planeterra projects in Belize, Jordan, Thailand and the Galápagos Islands. Seeing the positive changes brought about by the foundation and the travellers who support its efforts underscores the potential of the travel industry as a force for good — just as Poon Tip intended back in 2003.

Reflecting on 2025 developments, Planeterra said: “At its core, this year was defined by connection. Connections between communities, travel companies, donors, and travellers. Between local ideas and global markets. And between people who share a belief that tourism should support living cultures, local livelihoods, and the places communities call home.”

Here are some highlights of Planeterra’s year:

• 59 communities supported through connections with G Adventures.
• 11 communities in Ecuador, Albania, and Morocco reaching new audiences through Planeterra’s work with Evaneos.
• 11 communities expanding their reach through partnerships with Iberostar.
• 10 communities connected to G Touring brands, including Travelsphere and Just You.
• Planettera welcomed easyJet holidays, DERTOUR, and TruTravels as new Travel Company Partners, which the foundation says reflects growing interest in community tourism across the wider travel industry.
• This year, more than 550 organizations across 80 countries engaged with Planeterrra’s Global Community Tourism Network (GCTN). 
• Planeterra began collaborating with community leaders in Bhutan, Pakistan, Panama, and Tunisia for the first time, reflecting the continued growth of community tourism worldwide.
• Community-led ideas continued to take shape through Planeterra’s Global Community Tourism Fund, with 25 organizations receiving grants and mentorship. You can explore the full list of 2025 Global Community Tourism Fund recipients here.
• Together with partners G Adventures, G Touring, TruTravels, and Evaneos, Planeterra supported community-led tree growing initiatives, resulting in 1,983,629 trees planted this year. 

“None of what we accomplished in 2025 would have been possible without our community partners, travel and strategic partners, global supporters, and our dedicated team,” Planeterra said.  “Thank you for being part of Planeterra’s ongoing effort to turn travel into meaningful impact.”

There’s still time to support Planeterra’s global efforts in 2025. Click here to view the foundation’s wish list and make your impact today.