As we reflect on 2024, it has been a transformative year for the Community Homestay Network (CHN). From deepening our community engagements to expanding partnerships and enhancing our internal capacity, the year has been filled with impactful activities that have propelled our mission of promoting responsible and sustainable tourism in Nepal. Here’s a look back at the key events, collaborations, and milestones that have shaped our year.
January: Empowering Homestays through Capacity Building at Barauli Community
Through its partnership with USAID Trade and Competitiveness, CHN has significantly strengthened its market presence and expanded its services, completing capacity-building programs for 127 homestays across 10 communities. In January, CHN wrapped up its final training session at Barauli Community Homestay in Gandaki province. This training aimed to enhance homestay operations and community engagement, focusing on improving guest interactions, extending stays through diverse community experiences, and incorporating GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) principles for responsible travel and community development.
February: Exploring Trends in Sustainable and Experiential Tourism
In February, CHN had the privilege of hosting an eye-opening session with Paul van Hek, a senior expert from PUM International. The workshop zoomed in on the latest Trends in Sustainable and Experiential Tourism in European and US markets. Paul shared valuable insights on how Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and tour operators play a crucial role in championing responsible travel. We dived into key topics like how Community Tourism (CT) can tackle challenges such as upgrading homestay services, standardizing certifications, and stepping up marketing game plans. The session brought together a dynamic mix of travel professionals, sparking meaningful conversations about collaboration and fresh marketing strategies to shape a more sustainable future for tourism.
March: Skill Development with USAID
In March, USAID Trade and Competitiveness continued to support CHN’s capacity building by engaging our marketing team in various skill development programs. This included USAID’s Content Marketing Training, which empowered team members, especially from the marketing team, to enhance their skills and contribute more effectively to CHN’s outreach and communication efforts.
April: Empowering Women through Culinary Experiences
In April, as a strategic partner for Planeterra, our team conducted the Sharing Seed Training to elevate the quality and authenticity of breakfast experiences offered at community homestays for international travelers. The training went beyond culinary skills, focusing on supporting the empowerment journey of the local women to take on leadership roles in tourism. Participants were equipped with the knowledge and tools to deliver culturally immersive experiences while promoting sustainable tourism practices, and fostering meaningful connections between travelers and communities.
May: Launching Community Connect 2024
May saw the launch of Community Connect 2024, a flagship event designed to amplify the voice of community tourism. The event brought together 30 prominent journalists, influencers, and travel agents for an immersive experience in Nepal’s hidden gems. By showcasing lesser-known destinations, the event helped raise awareness about community tourism and sparked important conversations about authenticity, collaboration, and the transformative potential of community-led initiatives. The success of Community Connect reinforced our commitment to promoting responsible tourism and building lasting partnerships for sustainable development.
June: Digital Marketing for Community Tourism with PATA
In June, CHN’s team members participated in a digital marketing session organized by PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association). This training enhanced our digital marketing skills, enabling us to reach a wider audience and promote Nepal’s community-led tourism initiatives more effectively.
July and August: Expanding Community Tourism Partnerships
In July 2024, CHN planned a training and workshop that was successfully executed in August. The second "Sales, Sustainability, and Community" session, organized in collaboration with PUM International, focused on empowering B2B agents to expand Nepal’s tourism offerings beyond its iconic mountains by highlighting the transformative potential of community tourism. Led by senior expert Paul van Hek, the session showcased global successes, such as Kyrgyzstan, and explored strategies to position community tourism as a vital component of Nepal’s travel industry. The event engaged Destination Management Companies, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) members, and tourism professionals, encouraging alignment with the growing demand for responsible and inclusive travel. Interactive elements, such as experiencing Mithila art, further emphasized the cultural richness and authenticity of community tourism, ensuring local communities remain central to Nepal’s evolving tourism landscape.
The month also marked CHN’s expanded efforts in responsible tourism with the initiation of a partnership with Panauti Municipality, building upon previous successes in Dhankuta.
September: A Milestone Website Launch and Straits Times Trip
September marked a month of milestones for Community Homestay Network (CHN), reflecting significant strides in promoting responsible tourism. The launch of CHN’s redesigned website, communityhomestay.com, expanded our digital presence and highlighted our mission to strengthen responsible tourism. The new site offers a more intuitive interface, faster load speeds, and compelling community stories, making it easier for travelers to explore authentic and immersive experiences while showcasing CHN’s impact.
We were also able to host a journalist from The Straits Times who visited Dhankuta, immersing herself in the region’s responsible tourism initiatives. Her subsequent article offered a powerful reflection on the essence of responsible travel, urging a shift from a consumption-driven approach to one that empowers communities. She highlighted the importance of co-developing destinations with local stakeholders, reviving indigenous traditions, equipping women for long-term success, and inspiring travelers to make more ethical and sustainable choices.
Simultaneously, in collaboration with ICIMOD, Dhankuta Municipality, and HUSADEC, we conducted a Tour Guide and Leader Training in Dhankuta to strengthen local capacities in responsible tourism. This program, designed to equip stakeholders with leadership and communication skills, emphasized the roles of tour guides as community ambassadors. Participants left with practical tools and confidence to deliver compelling tourism experiences, reinforcing Dhankuta’s potential as a model for sustainable travel in Nepal.
October: Leadership & Inclusivity in Tourism
October was marked by various significant training sessions. We hosted a session on Stereotypes and Inclusion facilitated by Iaia Pedemonte, which addressed issues around diversity in tourism. The month also saw a visit from National Geographic journalists to Dhankuta and leadership training for community members. CHN collaborated with Planeterra as consultants to develop and strengthen the community experiences, supporting the entrepreneurial journey of women and creating local leaders. Furthermore, we hosted a Leadership Training in Kirtipur, focusing on sustainable leadership in the tourism sector.
November: AI in Tourism Marketing and Leadership Training
In November, CHN participated in an AI in Tourism Marketing Communications training session, gaining advanced insights into leveraging technology for more effective marketing strategies. Additionally, we conducted a Leadership Training program in Nagarkot, empowering community host members with enhanced leadership capabilities in tourism. As the year approached its close, November marked a month of meaningful progress in capacity building, community engagement, and the promotion of responsible tourism. From local training initiatives to fostering international partnerships, CHN has further solidified its role as a leading advocate for responsible tourism in Nepal.
December: New Community Homestays and Leadership Training
In December, CHN celebrated the successful launch of the Sipting Community Homestay in Dhankuta, adding a new destination to our expanding network of responsible tourism hubs. The month also featured Leadership Training in Panauti, aimed at aiding the empowerment journey of local leaders to drive tourism activities and ensure sustainable development. Additionally, CHN collaborated on the Hitaishi Project, reaffirming our commitment to youth empowerment and community-led tourism initiatives. As part of this partnership, CHN provided consultancy support to develop new community homestays in Panauti. In November and December, we also conducted two rounds of sensitization training, enabling the newly established homestays to welcome travelers within just one month of their setup.
Ending the Year on a High Note: PUM Impact Award 2024
We are honored to be named one of the winners of the PUM Impact Award 2024, which celebrates impactful collaborations and sustainable growth. In 2024, 429 projects were completed under the Services and Business Environment theme, with six outstanding initiatives shortlisted for their measurable impact. We are proud to be recognized as one of these exceptional initiatives.
A Year of Impact and Progress
Looking ahead, we remain committed to advancing sustainable tourism, fostering deeper connections between travelers and communities, and positioning Nepal as a hub for community tourism. Together with our communities, partners, we will continue to build a more inclusive, responsible, and thriving tourism industry.
