More than 3,300 indigenous Latin Americans living in poverty benefit from the "RUTAS" community-based rural tourism program

Sept. XX, 2013 -Fullyaware that tourism is a catalyst for national progress and growth, the CODESPA Foundation in collaboration with CAF-development bank of Latin America-operates the "RUTAS" community-based rural tourism program in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. 

"RUTAS" offers tour packages that are managed by members of the indigenous communities and generate additional income and improvements to community living conditions.CODESPA and CAF provide training and technical assistance to entrepreneurs so that the services they provide tourists meet quality standards recognized by the tourism industry. 

Over the last year and a half, 15,673 travelers contributed to the development of indigenous peoples in Latin America,making community-based tourism a growing trend, one that merits particular mention on World Tourism Day, which is celebrated on Sept. 27. 

Since its launch in January of 2012 "RUTAS" has helped more than 3,300 indigenous Latin Americans living in poverty by giving them the tools to launch tourism services as sources of extra revenue that complement their traditional income activities (such as agriculture, livestock and trade). 

According to José Carrera, CAF's vice president for social development, tourism is emerging as a possible contributor to the economy of rural communities by tapping into the competitive advantages that the region offers in this industry. "Our countries are home to multiple natural and historical tourist destinations, and CAF´s support for such tourism venues helps bring opportunities to our countries while meeting the demands of tourists, thus forging new relationships between those in search of new experiences and those in our communities." 

"We provide indigenous communities with an opportunity to find work without having to resort to migration, to maintain their traditions and customs while improving infrastructure and sanitation conditions," saidJosé Ignacio González-Aller, CEO of the CODESPA Foundation. "Furthermore, we offer training and technical assistance to small business owners and try to expand their commercial ties by supplying small tourism entrepreneurs with demand from potential visitors." 

Of the 3,380 entrepreneurs that have benefited from this social responsibility program, 1,050 are ethnic Aymara in Bolivia, 1,005 are ethnic Afro-Ecuadorian, Kichwa and Ecuadorian Mestizo while another 1,325 are ethnic Quechua from Peru and Ecuador. Although the project caters to both men and women, 55 percent of beneficiaries were women during the first 18 months of implementation. 

Through the interaction of indigenous families and more than 15,000 tourists, the project has not only been an intercultural experience but has spearheaded the development of 130 restaurants, 46 tourist guide associations, 108 lodgings, 34 artisan workshops, 17 transportation services and 21 adventure tourism programs within the three Latin American countries participating in the "RUTAS" program.