India | GX Summit 2024: Empowering Communities Through Transformative Tourism

GX Summit 2024: Transforming Tourism, Empowering Communities

The GX Community Tourism Summit wrapped up in Jaipur, India, with a message that resonated deeply with both travelers and the travel industry: tourism has the power to change the world. Taking center stage on World Tourism Day, Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, shared his vision for community tourism. His commitment to designing itineraries that uplift and give back to the communities visited by travelers was palpable.

Poon Tip posed a thought-provoking question to attendees: What if going on holiday could be a way to change the world? He emphasized the need for travelers to recognize the privilege of exploring new destinations, along with the responsibility that comes with it. “GX was created to show that tourism can absolutely transform lives,” he said.

Planeterra Marketplace and Empowering Local Communities

A highlight of the summit was the Planeterra Marketplace, where summit participants connected with local entrepreneurs supported by the Planeterra Foundation. Stories emerged of women who had never left their villages or even traveled by train, now running enterprises that support sustainable tourism. Among the featured projects were Sheroes, a café operated by survivors of acid attacks, and The Pink City Rickshaw Co., a unique venture that empowers women from low-income households by giving them the opportunity to drive e-rickshaws. In just one day, the marketplace raised over $6,000 for community tourism initiatives.

Poon Tip underscored how India’s rich culture and hospitality have provided a perfect backdrop for fostering such projects. The summit’s ethos was clear: tourism should be a vehicle for positive social impact, empowering local communities economically and socially.

Expanding Community Tourism to Jordan: GX Summit 2025

As the summit came to a close, Poon Tip delivered another exciting announcement: the next GX Summit will take place in Jordan. Applause filled the room as he revealed that the 2025 edition would be twice the size, coinciding with the company’s 35th anniversary. Jordan, with its vibrant culture and commitment to community tourism, was an ideal choice. The Jordan Tourism Board, Royal Jordanian Airlines, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are joining forces to support the event.

Jordan Tourism Board’s managing director, Malia Asfour, echoed the sentiment, noting that community tourism is a cornerstone of the country’s approach to promoting peace and connection in the region. Asfour also emphasized Jordan’s efforts to integrate community-driven initiatives into mainstream travel itineraries, further solidifying the nation’s role as a global hub for socially responsible tourism.

Solo-ish Adventures: A New Travel Trend

Among the summit’s big reveals was the launch of Solo-ish Adventures—an innovative travel style tailored to solo travelers who seek connection and community. As G Adventures CEO Ben Perlo described it, these trips are designed for those who want to travel independently but not necessarily alone. With all-female trip leaders and itineraries designed for instant bonding, the program spans diverse destinations like Guatemala, Morocco, South Africa, and Vietnam.

Poon Tip elaborated on the growing trend of solo travel, noting that many solo travelers are not single. Rather, they are individuals whose partners may not share the same passion for travel or adventure. Solo-ish Adventures bridges this gap by offering a safe, community-centric travel experience, ensuring that travelers can forge meaningful connections while exploring the world.

A Celebration of Culture and Fun

The summit was not only about discussions and announcements—it was also a celebration. GX Summit attendees were treated to a surprise event that turned into a joyous Holi celebration, India’s iconic Festival of Colors. The evening culminated in a vibrant pool party, blending cultural immersion with a festive atmosphere that left a lasting impression on all participants.

Another unforgettable night followed with a Pink Party at Jaipur’s historic Jaigarh Fort, where C+C Music Factory performed their hit song Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now). Poon Tip even stepped in as DJ, energizing the crowd with his passion for bringing people together.

The Power of Tourism to Inspire Change

As the GX Summit 2024 came to a close, the message was clear: tourism, when approached with mindfulness and respect for local cultures, can be a force for good. With initiatives like community tourism and the launch of Solo-ish Adventures, G Adventures continues to push the boundaries of what travel can achieve.

Bruce Poon Tip’s vision for a world where tourism changes lives—not just for travelers but for the communities they visit—stands at the heart of GX. With the next summit in Jordan already on the horizon, the future of tourism looks brighter and more inclusive than ever before.