This year, G Adventures and Peru will host the inaugural GX tourism summit, bringing travel agents, suppliers, media and travelers together from Sept. 22-28. Each group of attendees will have a dedicated itinerary, with chances to explore the highlights of Peru before the event culminates with the first World Community Tourism Summit on Sept. 27. Held on World Tourism Day, the special celebration will feature speakers and entertainment (the lineup is yet to be announced).
Our Analysis: GX Will Demonstrate the Importance of a Community-Based Tourism Approach
GX will focus on the power of community tourism, demonstrating how travel can have a positive impact for destinations and their residents. Hosted in support of G’s nonprofit, Planeterra, for its 20th anniversary, the event will raise funds for the organization, as well as include community engagement projects.
Though the summit is invitation-only, travel advisors have a chance to attend through the Change Makers campaign, which runs through June 30 and incentivizes agents to book G Adventures trips for their clients. Agents who earn a place at the summit through Change Makers will see firsthand how their work impacts local communities in Peru.
Fast Facts: What to Expect at the Event
- In addition to recognizing Planeterra’s 20th anniversary, the summit will celebrate G Adventures’ belated 30th anniversary, which was postponed by the pandemic.
- Depending on the attendee’s role in the tourism industry, there will be opportunities to participate in a multiday trip through Peru to see community tourism in action.
- GX will also include networking opportunities with more than 300 representatives from the tourism industry.
- More details on GX and World Community Tourism Day will be announced in the coming weeks.
What They Are Saying: Tourism Has the Power to Drive Positive Change
“There's no better way to show our travel community first-hand how tourism has the power to drive positive change than through experience,” said Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures. “We’ve been showcasing the beautiful concept of community tourism to our travelers for years, but wanted to open it up to the industry to experience, as well.”
We’ve been showcasing the beautiful concept of community tourism to our travelers for years, but wanted to open it up to the industry to experience, as well.
“We’ve thrown lots of great parties and events in our 33 years of operation, but this will be the biggest yet,” he added. “Most importantly, I’m looking forward to recognizing 20 years of Planeterra and the great work that has been done, and to help raise money to continue the great work they are doing to change lives in the communities we visit.”
