Turism Stories

Delivered by http://www.e-unwto.
org
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Wednesday, April 23, 2014 5:24:58 AM
Tourism
Stories
How tourism enriched my life
A book by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Delivered by http://www.e-unwto.org
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Contents
About this book / 6

Foreword / 7
Acknowledgements / 8
About the author / 9
Tourism Stories
Alonso Bermdez Paniagua A cultural hotel, a community haven / 12
Brian Lee Where travellers learn from Australias traditional teachers / 16
Cristina Suaa;OLVH[PUNOV[LSZVU[OLPZSHUKZVM3VZ<YVZ
Dato Haji Sahariman bin Haji Hamdan Opening hearts and minds through homestays / 24
Faisal Al Halabi Sanctuary for tradition and travellers / 28
Jean Damascene Hakizimana Man and mountain gorillas in natural balance / 32
Jos Antonio de la Riera In the footsteps of Santiagos pilgrims / 36
Katie Charalambous0UT`NYHUKTV[OLYZOVTL
Mariam Abu Rkeek Desert daughter / 44
Mohammad Daifallah Business through Bedouin community development / 48
Nguyen Thi Ba Viet Nams ladies of the river / 52
Noumeri Nasr Diving into the future / 56
Patrick and Carine Van Bogaert-Pijkels;Y\LHIPSP[`
Sandra Perang Building a future in the community / 64
About
this book
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
It all began on a quiet, peaceful stretch of a river in rural Viet Nam.

In a local riverboat, the Secretary-General of the World Tourism
Organization (UNWTO) sat back with his host, as a woman from
a local village paddled them through the winding waters.
(Z[OLQV\YUL`WYVNYLZZLK[OL:LJYL[HY`.LULYHS^HZ[VSKH
Z[VYÌÒPZOVZ[[OH[Z[\JRYTS`PUOPZ[OV\NO[Z[OL^VTHU
rowing their boat was part of a group of women who have
created a local community business of taking tourists on trips
down the river. The boats, provided by the government, are
theirs to keep theirs to manage and maintain, theirs to put
on the water every day to make money to feed their families
and plan for the future, theirs to pass on to their children.
That day, on the waters of Viet Nam, the profound appreciation
that the Secretary-General has for the millions of people that
work in the tourism sector, was given a face, a voice. He knew
that this, like millions of others, was a voice that needed to
be heard.
And so the idea of this book was born.
Tourism Stories How tourism enriched my life, has been
created to remind us of the heartbeats behind the tourism
statistics the fundamental difference that our sector makes,
L]LY` KH` MVY UV[ Q\Z[ [OL IPSSPVU [YH]LSSLYZ JYVZZPUN IVYKLYZ
but the hundreds of millions of people who welcome these
travellers into their nations.
Foreword
The past decade has been an exciting one for global tourism
but also a challenging one. The continuously ascending
numbers reported around increases in arrivals, receipts,
investment, trade, and importantly, employment, enable those
working in the sector to stand with an increasing sense of
pride. But still, natural, economic, political and social crises of
YLJLU[WHZ[OH]LVM[LUTHKLP[KPMJ\S[MVYZVTLKLZ[PUH[PVUZ
to move forward with sustained motivation and hope. The red
ink and down arrows can often distract us from what is most
important the people and communities that rely on tourism
for their daily lives and sense of faith in a brighter future.
Each and every day, nearly 3 million people across the globe
carry their bags and their dreams to visit somewhere new or
to repeat a visit to a place of good memories.
Over the past year, UNWTO reached out to all regions around
the globe, capturing an array of stories of the lives of the people
working in the tourism sector their lives, their work, their
thoughts, in their words. Through individual video interviews,
the people featured in this book have each shared the story of
their lives, and the difference that their working in the tourism
sector has made to their futures. Tapes, transcripts and
testimonials were all pulled together to create this book, the
YZ[VMHZLYPLZVMTourism Stories.
At the heart of this transformative movement are all those

who, each and every day, wake up and commit their energies
to playing an active, meaningful part in tourism. Chefs,
innkeepers, artisans, taxi drivers, shopkeepers, bakers,
growers, traders, guides, and millions of others work with
pride, purpose and a sense of optimism.
<5>;6PZWYV\K[VILHUHTWSPLYVM[OL]VPJLZVM[OLWLVWSL
who remind us to ensure that, through our efforts, we make
the one billion international tourists travelling the world every
year count.
3HZ[`LHY^LYLHJOLK[OLYLTHYRHISLTPSLZ[VULVM[OLV]LY
one billion travellers crossing international borders. One billion
people who have made travel and tourism a profound force
for good, moving national economies, societies, identities and
possibilities forward like no other sector of our times could. As
homes and hotels open their doors, the people of the world
open their minds and hearts to greater understanding.
These are the people who bring such meaning to our efforts to
grow the tourism sector. These are the lives who depend on
V\YM\SSSPUNV\YWYVTPZL[VLUZ\YL[OH[LJVUVTPJNYV^[OHUK
development through tourism is people-centred and genuinely
sustainable in the way that it impacts their daily lives.
At the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) we wanted to
honour these champions, and the communities from which
they come by telling their stories to the world and hopefully
inspire many others.
Tourism Stories How tourism enriched my life, written for

UNWTO by Anita Mendiratta, one of the best advocates of
[OL]HS\LZVMV\YZLJ[VYPZ[OLYZ[PUHZLYPLZVMIVVRZ[OH[
sets out to capture and showcase how tourism can change
peoples lives and how people can change their future and
that of their communities.
Capturing some of the voices of tourism from countries
across the globe, this book is about Alonso Bermdez
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*YPZ[PUH:\H|H+H[V/HQP:HOHYPTHUIPU/HQP/HTKHU-HPZHS
Al Halabi, Jean Damascene Hakizimana, Jos Antonio de la
Riera, Mariam Abu Rkeek, Mohammad Daifallah, Nguyen Thi
Ba, Noumeri Nasr, Katie Charalambous, and Sandra Perang.
We truly thank them for allowing us to share their lives, and
their stories.
These are the faces of tourism the people we have the
honour, and the responsibility, of working with and for, every
single day. May these tourism stories continue to inspire our
efforts.
Taleb Rifai
Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Acknowledgements
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) would like to thank

all those who have introduced us to the invaluable contributors
MYVTHYV\UK[OL^VYSK[OH[OH]LRPUKS`HJJLW[LK[VQVPU\ZVU
[OPZQV\YUL`!
Ahmed El Khadem (Former Advisor to the Minister of Tourism
and Former President of the Egyptian Tourism Authority,
Egypt), Amalia Pealoza (UNWTO/Millennium Development
.VHSZ -\UK 4+.- 7YVQLJ[ 7LY\ *OYPZ[LS 3L`Z
(Flemish Department of Foreign Affairs, Flemish Community
of Belgium), Claire Crouch (Australias North West Tourism,
Australia), H.E. Dato Hong Peng Ong (Ministry of Tourism and
Culture, Malaysia), Debbie Mantzur (Ministry of Tourism, Israel),
Dinh Ngoc Duc (Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism,
Viet Nam), Glen Chidlow (Australias North West Tourism,
Australia), Gudrun Willems (Visit Flanders, Flemish Community
of Belgium), Hermes Navarro (Instituto Costarricense de
Turismo, Costa Rica), James Basson (Bushmans Kloof
Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat, South Africa),
John King (Australian Tourism Export Council, Australia),
Johnny Edmonds (Western Australian Indigenous Tourism
Operators Council, Australia), Joseph Haimari (Ministry of
;V\YPZT 3LIHUVU 2H[L ,JVUVTPKV\ *`WY\Z ;V\YPZT
Organization, Cyprus), Malia Asfour (Jordan Tourism Board,
Jordan), Manuel Rodrguez (Tourism Authority of Galicia,
Spain), Maria J. Barquero (Grupo Islita, Costa Rica), Marianne
Schapmans (Visit Flanders, Flemish Community of Belgium),
Moti Rosenblum (Journalist, Israel), Nabil Tarazi (EcoHotels,
Jordan), Nguyen Van Tuan (Viet Nam National Administration
of Tourism, Viet Nam), Pascal Abdallah (Responsible Mobilities,
3LIHUVU 7H[YPJPH ;HSH]LYH <5>;64+.- 7YVQLJ[
Peru), Pham Ngoc Diep (Viet Nam National Administration

of Tourism, Viet Nam), Prosper Uwingeli (Volcanoes National
Park, Rwanda), Rica Rwigamba (Rwanda Development
Board, Rwanda), Yehia Safwat (Association International
Development DAPNE (AIDA) and Professional Association of
Diving Instructors (PADI), Egypt) and Zarina Md Yusuf (Ministry
of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia).
A special acknowledge is due to all UNWTO colleagues who
made this book possible, in particular, Alla Peressolova,
(SILY[V . <JLKH (SLQHUKYV =HYLSH (TWHYV 4\|Va (TY
Abdel-Ghaffar, Beka Jakeli, Carlos Vogeler, Christine Brew,
Christopher Imbsen, Cristina Civili, Daniela Urcuyo, Esther
Ruiz, Gabriele von Hagen, Ghada Ahmed Khalil, Hae-guk
/HYY`/^HUN/HUHUL3V\aHYP/HYZO=HYTH/LSKLY;OVTHZ
0NVY:[LMHUV]PJ0ZHILS.HYH|H2SHYH5VYKZ[YT3PUH7YL\ZZ
3`KPH)LIL2\T3\PNP*HIYPUP4HYPH:VSLKHK.HPKV4HYJLS
3LPQaLY4HYPUH+PV[HSSL]P4H[PSKL+\YHU4\ZHSSPT(MHUKP`L]
Ousmane Ndiaye, Peter Janech, Rita Bele-Zongodono,
:HUKYH*HY]qV:O\V>HUN:VH.\[PLYYLaHUK?\1PUN
About
the author
A trusted and respected global strategic advisor in Tourism &
Economic Development, Anita Mendiratta is the Founder and
Managing Director of Cachet Consulting an international
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private sector businesses, and international organizations
providing critical direction, insight and inspiration into
destination development, recovery and competitiveness. Anita
PZHSZV3LHK*VUZ\S[HU[VM*550U[LYUH[PVUHSZ;(:2.YV\W
and a strategic resource to the World Bank and UNWTO.
Canadian by birth and now based in Cape Town, South Africa,
Anitas work spreads across all regions of the world through
a rich client portfolio of governments and private travel and
tourism entities. Applying proven principles and processes
and exceptional skills in facilitating dialogue to break through
JVUPJ[KLULKPYLJ[PVUHUK`PLSKW\YWVZLM\S\UPLKYLZ\S[Z
Anita is able to mobilize strategic impact at three critical levels:
B2B Business to Business, B2G Business to Government,
and G2G - Government to Government.
0U(UP[HH\[OVYLKCome Closer: How Tourism is Shaping
the Future of Nations, nominated for the Financial Times Book
of the Year, and regarded by Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of
the UNWTO, as an invaluable resource for tourism leaders,
policy-makers and stakeholders as they drive the global
tourism economy forward, emphasizing Anitas ability to
convey the importance of tourism in terms of its economic
value comes second only to her capacity to reveal the very
human side of tourism.
Finally and above all, UNWTO would like to show its utmost
HWWYLJPH[PVU [V [OL OLYVLZ VM [OPZ WYVQLJ[! (SVUZV )LYTKLa
)YPHU 3LL *HYPUL HUK 7H[YPJR =HU )VNHLY[7PQRLSZ *YPZ[PUH
:\H|H+H[V/HQP:HOHYPTHUIPU/HQP/HTKHU-HPZHS(S/HSHIP
Jean Damascene Hakizimana, Jos Antonio de la Riera, Mariam
Abu Rkeek, Mohammad Daifallah, Nguyen Thi Ba, Noumeri
Nasr, Katie Charalambous, and Sandra Perang. Without their
enthusiasm and positive spirit, living tourism in their day to day
lives, this book would not have been possible.
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Tourism
Stories
Hola. My name is Alonso Bermdez Paniagua, and this is

my story
I am from the area of Islita. I have been working for the hotel
Punta Islita for 14 years already. I grew up in a nearby town
called San Francisco, its only 25 km from here. Its a very
simple town, like any other town in the area. I was born there
and I was raised there, however I went to school to another
town because the school there was very basic. When I was
young my family encouraged me to go to a better school so I
could get better prepared.
Alonso
Bermdez
Paniagua
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Z\JOHZHZVJJLYLSKJO\YJOZJOVVSIHY`V\RUV^[OPUNZSPRL
that. But very, very basic.
A cultural hotel, a community

haven
/LYLPUT`QVI[OLYLHYLHSV[VMJOHSSLUNLZ;OLTHPUJOHSSLUNLPZ
to make the employees and the guests happy. And so we always
raise the occupancy we give more authentic experiences to
our guests every day. So, that is our challenge to keep people
happy every day, and to translate it to different things.
I always say that the sector that I work for

is all about service to the client, the staff
or the customer. And it is important. I explain
it in a very easy way we are here to make
people happy. Happy people will come back
and give more jobs, give more opportunities,
and open other things to us.
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
4`KYLHT^HZHS^H`Z[VOH]LHIL[[LYQVIVY[VOH]LKPMMLYLU[
opportunities than the ones that I could have over there. Where
I was growing up you could only work in cattle raising, farming
or construction. And so my dream was always to go to school,
ILIL[[LYWYLWHYLKHUKNL[HIL[[LYQVI0UL]LY[OV\NO[HIV\[
working in the hotel business, but it was something interesting,
and the tourism sector gave us good opportunities. And my
family had a little restaurant so we were always related to service.
It was different to what I do here, but in some way it was related.
Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica
12
Alonso Bermdez Paniagua at Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica
13
Costa Rica
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Kindergarten at the Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica
If I was not working here? Maybe I would be working in

construction or in a cattle raising farm, with a very limited
salary. When I started working here at the hotel it was a huge
thing for us for me and for my family. It opened a lot of
opportunities.
I started working here 14 years ago. Since the moment I
came here, I worked hard at the front desk. And then along
the years in different areas; I worked in tourism activities and in
customer services and then I became the resident manager;
now I am the manager of the hotel.
The hotel offers a lot of opportunities. Then it depends a lot on

us, if we take them or we dont. I was one of those persons
that always wanted to grow in the company, and get more
opportunities, visit different places and get more knowledge
of things. So it was very nice that this sector has offered me
the opportunity to grow, not only as a human being, but also
as a professional.
Marta Figueroa, coordinator of the Islita Art Museum community gift shop and gallery with local elder Marcial Torres
14
Hotel Punta Islita opened in 1994 in a setting

of economic disadvantage and environmental
decline. Access to education was limited,
professional opportunities were minimal,
and the tropical dry forest was in danger. By
VMMLYPUNQVIVWWVY[\UP[PLZHUKJHYY`PUNV\[HU
intensive training program to members of the
community on different areas of services of
the hotel, as well as surrounding communitybased activities and attractions, the hotel has
become a critical force for economic activity
and skills development.
Costa Rican forest
15
My name is Brian Lee, and this is my story

I was born in Broome, I grew up in Derby, and at the moment
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[OL +HTWPLY WLUPUZ\SH >L HYL HIV\[ TPSLZ MYVT [OL
nearest capital city. Ive been out there since about 1992. Its
my grandmothers country. Its where my mother was born as
well.
Brian
Lee
0]L NVUL V\[ [OLYL H^H` MYVT OLYL [V UK T` YVV[Z (Z H
teenager, going over to Queensland, meeting different people
with different attitudes and opinions, and learning how to live
out of my comfort zone was an experience for me. It taught me

how to live with other people, that it was ok to have a different
opinion than others, and to respect opinions of others as well.
So coming back to Western Australia, back to Derby, I had
H QVI VU H WLHYS MHYT VU [OL WLUPUZ\SH :SV^S` MYVT [OLYL 0
moved back to my mother and grandmothers country, and
reconnected with all the family members I had there. I learnt
what it was like to be part of a community, and I learned about
leadership roles in the community. I have taken that up and
become one of the young leaders.
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Where travellers learn from

Australias traditional teachers
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16
)YPHU3LL+QHYPUKQPUJVTT\UP[`(\Z[YHSPH7OV[VJV\Y[LZ`VM>(0;6*
17
Australia
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
)YPHU3LLHUKHNYV\WVM[V\YPZ[Z7OV[VJV\Y[LZ`VM>(0;6*
+QHYPUKQPUOHZHSPNO[OV\ZL0[^HZI\PS[PUHIV\[ 3VJHS
people there manned it at various stages of its lifetime, until
about 1986 when the lighthouse became automated. The
freehold title was given back to the Bardi people, and the
Bardi people made a decision to start up a tourism resort
there. It has since evolved into an eco-friendly tourism resort
HUK^PSKLYULZZJHTW2VVSQHTHU0[OHZILLUVWLYH[PUNHZ
such for the past 15 years.
you can make a comfortable living from that. But I think for me
it is more of a lifestyle, more of a desire to impart knowledge
and share experiences.
;OPZPZHZWLJPHSWSHJL>OH[THRLZ2VVSQHTHUZV\UPX\LPZ
the surroundings. Its based on a peninsula so you can wake
up and watch the sun rise on one side of the ocean, and then
watch the sun set on the other side of the ocean. It is a place
that is recognized around the world.
My main dream for the future is to see young community

people stepping up and doing what I do, learning from myself
and others up there who are leaders in the tourism sector
in the peninsula, and hopefully one day seeing them be
managers of our resort, to bring other young Bardi people
along with them on the ride.
I have been on the Board for the last 16 years. I have seen it
grow from its humble beginnings, to what it is today a multi
award winning wilderness camp.
It has given me a purpose. Its showed me

that there is a way to share knowledge, to
share experiences, and to share a country.
It has made me I think a role model for the younger people in
the community, to see that there is a career in tourism. And
18
I have started my own tourism business that I operate out of

2VVSQHTHUHUK0[OPURP[ZNL[[PUNWLVWSL[VRUV^VYYLJVNUPaL
that there is a place that no one else has seen, but everyone
else who comes here can share what we have.
2VVSQHTHU PZ [OL [YHKP[PVUHS )HYKP HIVYPNPUHS

UHTL MVY (\Z[YHSPHZ *HWL 3L]LX\L 0U
the land was purchased by the Aboriginal
+L]LSVWTLU[*VTTPZZPVU(+*MVY[OLILUL[
of Aboriginal people. As a result the ADC, along
with other Government Departments and the
Bardi people, chose to develop the area into
a tourist complex, linking up traditional ways
with the fast encroaching 21st century and
all that it represents. The emphasis from the
beginning has been to develop a low key, low
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can be controlled by local people and of a
size and extent that minimizes the impact on
the environment, and where visitors are able
to experience the beauty of the local area and
participate in unique experiences and activities
available through this business enterprise.
Our people have been a part of this land and of this country
for thousands of years. I think we see ourselves as teachers.
I feel that what I have to offer to people outside our country,
our state, and indeed Australia, is a knowledge base that
evolved around the country, around tradition, around culture,
and keeping that alive for me is something that I am striving
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NYLH[LUQV`TLU[V\[VM
*HWL3L]LX\L(\Z[YHSPH7OV[VJV\Y[LZ`VM>(0;6*
19
I am Cristina Suaa,HUK0SP]LPU[OLVH[PUNPZSHUKZVM3VZ
Uros Khantati. This is my story
Khantati is an Aymaran word meaning dawn.
Cristina
Suaa
I was actually born on another island further away from here.

When I was young I did not know of tourists I was very
afraid of them. When I married my husband, I moved into this
HYLH3PRLHSS^VTLUOLYLT`^VYR^HZ^LH]PUNJYHM[Z0^HZ
taking care of the house and of my children.
When a Dutch couple told me Cristina, why dont you set
up a cottage, someone might want to spend the night on the
island, I thought it was a fantastic idea and I thought that
maybe, someday, this might work.
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VM3VZ<YVZ
:V^LZ[HY[LK^P[O[OLYZ[]LY`ZTHSSYVVTHUKPU[OLYZ[
year we received two, four couples. We are already in our tenth
year now. Those tourists gave us tips on how to advance our
work. Year after year, I have continued working.
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
We are always waiting for a tourist or a friend

to come. We always want them to leave
very happy and pleased with our business,
with our home. We hope that they enjoy the
VH[PUN ILKZ H[ V\Y ZTHSS ]LU[\YL [OH[ ^L
JHSS/V[LS^P[OVH[PUNILKZ
;OLVH[PUNOV[LSZPU3VZ<YVZ7LY\
20
In the beginning, some people in the community said that we

were crazy, even my husband. He would say you are crazy,
no one will stay there. No one believed that anyone could
stay here because it is quite cold, there is no electricity, and
there is no water.
)\[ ^L W\ZOLK [OPZ WYVQLJ[ MVY^HYK HUK UV^ TVYL [V\YPZ[Z
are coming to stay. Now, when the tourists are coming or
leaving in our small boats, the community can see that, yes,
HWYVQLJ[SPRL[OPZPZWVZZPISLHUK[V\YPZ[Z^PSSJVTL[VZ[H`
Today, the whole family is involved in this work. For instance,
before it was only my husband and I doing everything. Now,
I work mainly in the kitchen. My sisters and my cousins are
helping me and they are also learning to manage the kitchen
so that I can travel and do other things.
My daughter is in charge of bookings. She is the one
managing bookings and answering requests. She decided
that to become more of a success in this business she
needed to study. So, she studied tourism. She understands
[OL Z\IQLJ[ /H]PUN OLY YL[\YU OVTL HM[LY OLY Z[\KPLZ PZ T`
greatest satisfaction as a mother. She is already working in
V\YWYVQLJ[HZ[OLIVZZ
My son is working with the transfers, he goes to the terminal,
to different hotels, to the airport; he goes where the tourists
HYL4Ò\ZIHUK[HRLZ[OL[V\YPZ[ZV\[PU[OLIVH[MVYZOPUN
*YPZ[PUH:\H|HPU3VZ<YVZ
21
Peru
Cristina Suaa and her visitors
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
My sister shows tourists our handicrafts, and teaches them

how to do it.
+\YPUN [OL L]LUPUNZ T` ULWOL^Z WSH` T\ZPJ HUK IYPUN QV`
to the party; we sing and dance. The kids have also become
interested in continuing their studies. They say I want to be a
guide, I want to be this, I want to be that, I want to be a chef.
So, I am very happy because now the company is not only
mine, it belongs to the entire family.
We are a very big family. We were ten brothers and sisters.
Two have died, so now we are eight siblings. We have gone
[OYV\NO ]LY` KPMJ\S[ [PTLZ PU T` MHTPS` ^P[O T` WHYLU[Z 0
[OPURPMP[^HZU[MVY[OPZWYVQLJ[THÌL0^V\SKOH]LJVU[PU\LK
SP]PUN VU T` PZSHUK MHY H^H` ^VYRPUN ^P[O ZOPUN UPNO[ HUK
KH`;OLYL^LYLKH`ZÔLU^LJH\NO[ZOHUKV[OLYZÔLU
we didnt, days when we had something to eat and days
when we didnt. But now, with this venture, I have learnt how
to organize my family in terms of food, and have my children
studying as well.
our grandmothers and grandfathers, talking with our elders,

asking them How did we use to be, where did we come
from..? This helps me understand where I have come from.
I am always telling to our fellow brothers in other communities
Invest your time in training, in learning how to manage this
type of business. With each client, you will gain something
every time and keep expanding, expanding, expanding like
^LKPK5V^^LHSYLHKÒH]L[LUYVVTZ^P[OILKZHUK
we have also bought this platform to expand our kitchen
and dining room. We bought solar panels. We are doing
the transport, and more houses. So I am always telling my
brothers to invest their time in training, invest their money to
buy and implement their business.
The Uros Khantati Asociacin de Turismo

=P]LUJPHSVM7LY\Z3VZ<YVZ0ZSHUKZOHZILLU
PU]VS]LK PU WYVQLJ[Z [V WYVTV[L PUKPNLUV\Z
rights, particularly those of women. Tourists
are encouraged to immerse themselves
completely in the community that they are
]PZP[PUN .\LZ[Z SLHYU OV^ [V ZO JVVR HUK
engage in crafts with their hosts, are taught
words and songs in the local Aymara language
and principles of their cosmovision, and are
encouraged to participate in the daily activities
of the community. Tourism income is used
to purchase supplies to continue handicraft
production, to educate children, and to invest
in infrastructure, including better boats for the
transportation of visitors. A full circle tourism
economy has been established.
My dream is to create a small travel agency so that the tourists

can come directly from their country to our houses in different
WHY[ZVMV\YJV\U[Y`0[JHUILPU*\aJVPU(YLX\PWHPU3PTHPU
3HTIH`LX\L0UKPMMLYLU[WSHJLZÔLYL]LYV\YJVTT\UP[PLZ
can receive tourists. This is our dream.
0[OPUR[OPZJHUILJHSSLKHZ\Z[HPUHISLWYVQLJ[HZP[PZHIV\[
caring for our environment, respecting our people, all of this.
It is also about valuing our identity. Now, we are talking to
;OLVH[PUNOV[LSZPU3VZ<YVZ7LY\
22
23
DatoHaji
Sahariman
bin Haji
Hamdan
Opening hearts and minds
through homestays
My name is Dato Haji Sahariman bin Haji Hamdan and

this is my story
OH]LTVYL[OHU[YLLZ[OH[OH]LILLUWSHU[LKI`[OL
people who visited our homestay programme.
At the age of 25 I got married, now I have nine kids. I used

[VILHY\IILY[HWWLY0U ÔLU0^HZPUT`LHYS`Z0
started this program the homestay programme. I began with
TÒV\ZLYZ[[OLU^P[OT`TV[OLYZOV\ZLHUKT`TV[OLY
in-laws house. Thanks to the government, especially the
Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia who contribute to
this homestay programme, now Im like a boss to the rubber
estate.
When we talk about achievement, every year is a success

Z[VY` >L Z[HY[LK PU LHYS` ^L KL]LSVWLK SLZZ [OHU
villages and now there are already 159 villages. We started
^P[O HIV\[ VM VJJ\WHUJ` 5V^ H[ [OL LUK VM ^L
have about 33% of occupancy. We started getting revenue
only about RM 5 million and we already achieve RM 18.6
TPSSPVU>LOH]LHIV\[WLVWSLÔVOH]L]PZP[LK\Z
PU
-YVT [OL LHYS` Z[HNL VM ]L OV\ZLZ PU [OPZ

village, now we have 162 houses to welcome
people from all over the world and also from
Malaysia. We can meet many people, we can
meet Japanese, we can meet Europeans,
we dont have to go there.
As I look to the future, I would like to transform this homestay

programme. I would like to transform this business into a
bigger business in the city and in beach areas. I think the time
is now to grow this tourism from small to bigger, so that all the
villages can achieve what people in the city can achieve.
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
There are around 151 villages throughout Malaysia which are

part of the homestay programme with the help and support
from the government. I started a business with one room, and
now I have about 34 rooms. I have nine kids and four of them
are working with me. I have more than 12 youngsters in this
village also working part time with me.
The homestay is very good as it gives a lot of revenue to the
villagers. People come to the village, we treat them as part of
the family we stay together, we cook together, and do many
activities together. A lot of money is coming to all the villagers.
When we talk about tourism, theres a lot of money and
revenue coming from this tourism. We get money from
accommodation, food and meals and from activities. There
HYLHSV[VMHJ[P]P[PLZPU[OL]PSSHNLZ[HWWPUNY\IILYZOPUN
elephant sanctuary; we have bird watching, and so on. This all
creates revenue; a lot of money from the outside now comes
to the villagers. I think its very good.
We thank a lot not only to the Ministry of Tourism. We also
thank the Ministry of Rural Development and Entrepreneur.
They helped us with training and seminars on internet and
technologies. We also have the Plant a Tree Programme. All
the people who come to the village plant a tree, and now we
Tourists learn traditional activities in the homestay programme, Malaysia
24
+H[V/HQP:HOHYPTHUIPU/HQP/HTKHU7YLZPKLU[VM[OL
Homestay Association of Malaysia
25
Malaysia
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
In 1995, Malaysias Ministry of Tourism launched

the homestay programme with the aim of
boosting the participation of rural communities
in the tourism sector, and reducing rural-urban
migration. The homestay programme has been
prioritized by the Ministry of Tourism because
VMP[ZWV[LU[PHS[VM\SSS[OLKLTHUKZVMHUPJOL
segment among international and domestic
tourists, and because it allows sharing the
ILUL[ZHUK^LHS[OMYVT[OL[V\YPZTZLJ[VY[V
a wider segment of Malaysias communities,
particularly the rural population.
One of the houses in the homestay programme, Malaysia
Tourists learn traditional activities in the homestay programme, Malaysia
26
Tea plantations in Malaysia
27
My name is Faisal Al Halabi, and this is my story

I was born and raised in this beautiful village, Aammiq, which
is renowned for its peaceful and friendly people. I grew up
loving to hunt. I was an expert game hunter, particularly wild
boar.
Faisal
Al Halabi
A few years ago when nature reserves started appearing in

3LIHUVU 0 TL[ ZVTL VM [OL `V\UN WLVWSL ^VYRPUN H[ [OL
Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve. They began giving lectures on
hunting methods and seasons. I became quite interested in
these issues and started working in tourism. Through this, I
met a young man and we became friends. He explained to
TLÔH[LU]PYVUTLU[HSPZT^HZHIV\[HUKVMMLYLKTLHQVI
I became a true believer and went from being a hunter to an
environmental activist. I worked with them at the reserve, as a
[LHTTLTILYZVTLMV\YVY]L`LHYZHNV;OLU0[YHUZMLYYLK
to the Aammiq reserve.
Truth be told, its an impressive initiative. I hope that all

3LIHULZL VMJPHSZ HUK SHUKVÛLYZ ^V\SK HSZV [HRL [OL
initiative to protect the land. This has become a beautiful area
^P[OWSLU[`VM[YLLZHUK^PSKSPML4HU`LU]PYVUTLU[HSWYVQLJ[Z
are being carried out here. This is all thanks to the Skaffs, who
greatly contributed to protecting the environment.
The area has turned from a private land into an oasis of
exemplary reserves. It is also a key stop for migratory birds as
P[MLH[\YLZ[OLSHYNLZ[MYLZO^H[LY^L[SHUKPU3LIHUVU
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Sanctuary for tradition and

travellers
The Aammiq reserve was known for hunting, cattle grazing

and logging; however, all activities were unregulated and
environmentally harmful. Fortunately, when the Skaffs returned
to their lands after the war, they took the initiative to create a
reserve to protect the area. I moved from the Shouf biosphere
reserve and started working with them in Aammiq.
(HTTPX>L[SHUKZ9LZLY]L3LIHUVU
28
-HPZHS(S/HSHIPPU[OL(HTTPX9LZLY]L3LIHUVU
29
Lebanon
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
3VJHSWYVK\JLZ[VYLH[[OL(HTTPX9LZLY]L3LIHUVU
Getting my family and friends to understand what I do was a

JOHSSLUNL,K\JH[PVUPZKLUP[LS`[OLYZ[Z[LW[VWLYZ\HKPUN
people. I began with my friends and family. Gradually, they all
JHTLHYV\UK[V[OLPKLH;OLILUL[PZJSLHY;OYV\NOV\Y^VYR
^LOH]LTHUHNLK[V[\YUVYTVYLVM[OLYLZPKLU[ZPU[V
advocates of the environment. Many young people embraced
[OLPKLHHUKLHJOILNHU^VYRPUN^P[OPU[OLPYWYLMLYYLKLSK
but always with a view to protect the environment.
0M 0 KPK UV[ KV [OPZ QVI 0 ^V\SK OH]L ^VYRLK PU HU`[OPUN
really. I think I would have become a farmer, although I dont
WHY[PJ\SHYS`SPRL[OH[SPULVM^VYRVYUKP[ZH[PZM`PUNKLZWP[LP[
ILPUN\ZLM\SHUKILULJPHS[V[OLLU]PYVUTLU[I\[P[ZUV[T`
WHZZPVU0^HZVMMLYLKTHU`QVIZI\[0MLLSTVZ[JVTMVY[HISL
in this one. This is what I was meant to be doing. And it is part
of tourism.
I began working with my family in tourism almost 12 years
ago. We offer tourists room and board at our family home; my
^PMLOHUKSLZ[OLTLHSZ>LZ[HY[LK^P[O]LVYZP_WLVWSLHUK
now we are hosting groups of up to a hundred and that was
before we opened the restaurant.
Preserving the environment is not only good

for tourism, it also creates jobs.
A coming together of nature and nurture,

the Aammiq Wetlands have developed into
a natural environmental protection zone a
WSHJLÔLYL[OLWLVWSLVM3LIHUVUJLSLIYH[L
their nation, their traditions, and their future.
Today, as a place of employment directly
MVY [OL WLVWSL VM 3LIHUVU ^P[O H KPYLJ[
supporting role in the tourism sector, the
Aammiq Wetlands provide a living example of
the importance, relevance, value and pride of
3LIHUVUZZWPYP[VMWYLZLY]H[PVU
This building has been under refurbishment for eight years

in association with the Shouf reserve and A Rocha. It was
supposed to be a hotel for tourists. But studies showed that
[OL OV[LS ^V\SK VUS` ILUL[ VUL MHTPS` VY [^V H[ TVZ[ :V
[OL`KL]LSVWLK[OLWYVQLJ[HZHULJVYLZ[H\YHU[[OLYZ[VM
P[ZRPUKPU3LIHUVU(SS[OLMVVKPZVYNHUPJHUKJ\S[P]H[LKVU
[OLYLZLY]L;OLYLZ[H\YHU[OHZJYLH[LKQVIZMVYMHTPSPLZ
The restaurant and touristic services it offers have certainly
increased the number of visitors to the area. Tourists can now
LUQVÒPNOX\HSP[`TLHSZPUHKKP[PVU[VOPRPUNPU[OLTV\U[HPUZ
For me personally, my job has allowed me

to meet people of different nationalities, and
that is in itself extremely important. This is
what I was meant to be doing.
(HTTPX9LZLY]L3LIHUVU
30
31
My name is Jean Damascene Hakizimana. Im the head

ranger in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. And this is
my story
I was born in 1972, and I live near the Volcanoes National
Park. I grew up seeing that the park was facing some illegal
activities, such as poaching, so I grew up wanting to be a
guide or a ranger. I wanted to be a ranger or a guide as I loved
so much the gorillas.
Jean
Damascene
Hakizimana
I explain to my family and to my friends that I am doing activities

related to park protection coordinating activities of protecting
the park, organizing routine park patrols, short patrols, camp

patrols and cross-border patrols that are coordinated patrols.
Our cross border patrols are done with our neighboring
country Uganda because this park is trans-boundary. On one
side, we have the Mgahinga National Park and, on the other
side, we have the Bwindi Park, so for protecting this park, we
KVHQVPU[WH[YVS
We have to make sure all equipment to enter the park is
available, such as radio for communication, binoculars which
helps us to observe the things very far from us. We have guns
for protection. We monitor all of our activities in the park.
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Man and mountain gorillas

in natural balance
Mountain gorilla in Rwanda
32
Jean Damascene Hakizimana in the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
33
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Rwanda
Jean Damascene Hakizimana training trackers in using GPS
We face some challenges related to the few number of rangers

we have in this park. We collaborate with the community
in order to monitor all activities that are being done by
surrounding communities outside the park. Because I love so
much gorillas, I also made some environmental clubs to help
protect the gorillas and the whole environment.
3PRLTHU`KLZ[PUH[PVUZHJYVZZ[OLNSVIL^PSKSPML
tourism represents a critical niche component
of the national growth and development plans
in Rwanda. In northwestern Rwanda, the
Volcanoes National Park, a vast, rich rainforest
SHUK HYLH OVTL [V ]L VM [OL YLNPVUZ LPNO[
volcanoes, is also home to a mountain gorilla
WVW\SH[PVULZ[PTH[LKH[ILPUNV]LYZ[YVUN
0U 9^HUKH OVZ[LK HYV\UK
visitors, generating approximately US$ 251
TPSSPVUJVTWHYLK[VPU[LYUH[PVUHS]PZP[VYZ
increased by 14%. Under the leadership of the
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) tourism
has become a vehicle for economic, social,
cultural and environmental development of
the nation as a whole. Invaluable employment
around gorilla tourism occurs through the park
(trackers, anti-poaching), and also in other
areas (tourist porters, park cleaners, hotel staff,
and other tourism related services). Through
this direct and indirect employment, the park
^VYRZ ^P[O V]LY SVJHS JVTT\UP[PLZ
unlocking meaningful cooperation and
community participation for the greater good
of both man and mountain gorillas.
Now, I am able to do mapping and use some software that

helps me to do reports which are used in park management.
4`JOPSKYLUHUKT`MHTPS`HYL]LY`]LYÒHWW`VM[OLQVI0HT
doing, and they support me very very much.
Doing this work, I am able to continue my

studies, improve my communication skills,
HUK 0 HSZV ILUL[LK MYVT THU` [YHPUPUNZ
related to the conservation of the park.
Forest in Rwanda
34
35
My name is Jos Antonio de la Riera, and this is my story

We are in a small village at the edge of Finisterre, Santiago
de Olveiroa, one of the last lost paradises at the end of the
known limits of the earth since the medieval world. My life is
largely devoted to the recovery of places like this; in this case
the Route of Santiago, in a work of research that is part of all
my life.
Jos Antonio
de la Riera
Goethe said Europe was formed through the Route of

Santiago. Still, the Route suffered centuries of neglect. It was
a real challenge for us to recover those old traces. It was not
LHZ` (WHY[ MYVT [OL OPZ[VYPJHS YLZLHYJO HUK LSK ^VYR ^L
had to do, we found an almost universal skepticism. How
could a medieval pilgrimage from ancient times be recovered
at the dawn of the 21st century, how could we recover the
road towards a distant grave in the west through hundreds of
villages like Olveiroa? How are you going to bring the people
of the 21st century to old forgotten routes and villages like
this, people would ask us.
In the footsteps of Santiagos

pilgrims
Today man no longer seeks the forgiveness of his sins, no

longer pursues to visit a number of relics. Yet, if there are any
common values to the nomadic man, it has always been the
restlessness of the human being, an inner quest.
We often say that the Camino de Santiago (Route of
Santiago) is like a thread with beads, the thread of an old
rosary. The beads the great cathedrals are there, but what
expresses it, what gives it life, is the thread of the rosary the
small villages like this one of which there are hundreds on the
road. Small monuments, cruceiros, small shrines, churches
they form an impressive, tangible heritage, and besides
this, we have valued the intangible heritage; the legends, the
traditions and the old music. All this has exploded in the late
[OJLU[\Y`HUK[OLILNPUUPUNVM[OLZ[JLU[\Y`
At the start, there was nothing more than ruins at the end of a
remote border, in a region usually isolated, and yet the best of
all Europe is coming here. It is all thanks to the recovery of the
old roads to Santiago and Finisterre.
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
And yet the dream came true because of common values:

with brains, heart and hands.
Camino de Santiago, Spain
36
Jos Antonio de la Riera in Santiago de Olveiroa, Spain
37
Spain
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
And with the pilgrimages came tourism,

cultural tourism, surrounding the whole
phenomenon of the recovery of the old
medieval environments.
0U[OL/VS`@LHYVM*VTWVZ[LSHV]LYWPSNYPTZ
came to Santiago de Compostela to do a traditional pilgrimage,
traditional meaning covering the trail on foot, horseback or
bicycle. The road is a space of freedom, solidarity, adventure
seeking, spirituality and a way to go. Many of them covered
hundreds of kilometers, others thousands.
Along the trail, a tourism sector that is respectful to the
surroundings and respectful to the natural environment and
the historical ethnography has grown. All this come together:
YZ[ VM HSS [OL YLZWLJ[ MVY [OL WPSNYPTZ HUK ZLJVUKS` [OL
LJVUVTPJILUL[MVY[OL]PSSHNLZ[OH[^LYLV[OLY^PZLKVVTLK
to virtually disappear. But now with the Route of Santiago,
with the return of the pilgrims and the cultural tourism that
has formed around it, we have seen a comprehensive and
harmonic recovery.
38
What I have learnt from this? That the traveling nature of man is
immortal. The Camino de Santiago completely distinguishes
itself from the so-called religious tourism for many reasons,
the main ones being its multiculturalism, its ecumenism, and
above all because it retains the legends from the 5th century,
such as the stoning in front of the old hospital of Roncesvalles.
Here the door opens to all.
For centuries, Santiago has been a calling

for millions of pilgrims of differing faiths,
backgrounds, ages and beliefs. Taking a
QV\YUL`[OH[MVSSV^ZPU[OLMVV[Z[LWZVMHUJPLU[
times, at its peak, from the 9th to the 16th
century, an estimated two million people a
`LHY[OLLX\P]HSLU[VMWLVWSLWLYKH`
came to worship in a place that has, until today,
embedded itself as a place of spiritual passage
and privilege. To keep the paths, places of
worship, and surrounding communities in a
JVUKP[PVU[MVYZ\JO]PZP[H[PVUHUKZPNUPJHUJL
and respectful of both its past and present,
has become the lifes work of many dedicated
locals such as the Friends of the Camino de
Santiago.
This is my workplace. For centuries, thousands and

thousands of pilgrims have passed on this ground we are
treading, and I certainly do not know what my life would have
ILLUSPRL^P[OV\[[OPZ^VYR[OPZZLSLZZ^VYR>LHYLUV^H
cultural association the Friends of the Camino de Santiago.
I belong here.
In the future, I hope these old stones, this old passage of
pilgrims, will be kept up for our children and grandchildren. I
OVWLP[^PSSILUL[HSSVM[OLZL]PSSHNLZUV[VUS`J\S[\YHSS`HUK
personally, but also in their social and economic development.
They deserve to be reinstated in the modern era.
The Route of Santiago certainly changes the lives of all who
^VYRVUP[([[OPZWVPU[P[^V\SKILKPMJ\S[MVYTL[VPTHNPUL
a life without this work, without this commitment.
Pilgrims in the Camino de Santiago, Spain
39
My name is Katie Charalambous, and this is my story

Kalosorisate, Welcome! This is Vasilion, which means
Kingdom.
Here is where my grandmother and her sisters lived. In those
times, Polis Chrysochous was the center town of the small
villages in the Akamas area. Nowadays, the Polis area became
one of the main touristic resorts in Cyprus.
Katie
Charalambous
As a child I used to visit my grandmother to spend my Easter

HUK:\TTLY]HJH[PVUZ3PML^HZZSV^PU[OVZL`LHYZ0^HZ
[OLYZ[NYHUKJOPSKHUK0OHKHSS[OLH[[LU[PVU0^HZZWVPSLK
but in a good way.
In my grandmothers home
As I grew older, I used to wish to have my

own business. I never thought that my
wish would come true that my vacation
childhood house would be converted into
my own accommodation business.
It all started suddenly when I was working for many years
with our local airline. I left the airline when an early retirement
scheme was offered. My grandmothers house was already
mine. I inherited it, but it was nearly a ruin. I needed a huge
budget in order to restore it. At that time, I was lucky as
there were some European structural funds and that was
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
I feel nostalgic of those days. I remember the afternoon walks

with giagia (grandmother) Katerina. The sea is very near to
our property and I used to love this promenade. I think of the
August nights, listening to aunty Persas parables. She used

to tell us that the sky opens during the August nights and the
stars fall so we could make our wishes but we must be very
careful what we wish for, as our wishes always come true.
Sunset in Cyprus
40
6
Katie Charalambous in Vasilion Agrotourism, Cyprus
41
7
Cyprus
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Vasilion Agrotourism, Cyprus
the beginning. Since the property was listed, I needed to go

through many formalities, rules and regulations, especially as
we found Archaeological remains of three eras in our garden.
;OLTVYL0KPK[OLTVYL[OL\YNLVMJVTWSL[PUN[OLWYVQLJ[
grew stronger day by day. I was so excited that ideas and
dreams grew bigger.
This is a traditional Cypriot accommodation business. This
business is all about relaxation, a retreat back to our roots.
Through this business I am transferring to our guests warm
sentiments of my past world. We live in a modern world.
It has become so fast, so much pressure. For this reason,
technology and comfort is a must. Every little detail had and
has to be taken care of, to make it possible to rest, but still
feel in control.
Since most of us live a daily hectic life, I thought of an escape,
a return to our grandmothers house which for me means a
warm protected place, a garden full of roses, home grown
vegetables, fruit trees, and of course a homemade orange
cake.
Whatever I do is with pleasure. When you are dealing with

traditional houses, you need to have strong sentiments and
TVZ[VMHSSHIPNOLHY[[VILHISL[VZ[HUKI`HU`KPMJ\S[`0
love being in the garden taking care of my roses; this brings
TLWLHJLHUK0KVLUQV`V\YN\LZ[ZWVZP[P]LYLHJ[PVU[V[OL
V^LYZHUK[OLZJLU[ZMYVTT`NHYKLU
Built in 1929, nestled in the centre of a traditional

*`WYPV[ [VÛ HUK Q\Z[ H X\PJR ^HSR [OYV\NO
the olive groves to the seaside, Vasilion has
been carefully and characterfully restored by
the granddaughter of its original owner to offer
guests from across the world a restful stay in
a place generously providing local hospitality.
Combining the essence of modern living with
an atmosphere of tradition in lovingly managed
NYV\UKZV]LYV^PUN^P[OSVJHSV^LYZOVTL
grown vegetables, fruit and herbs, the property
is accented by antiques and the antiquities of
Hellenistic times founds on the land, carefully
excavated to now become a natural part of the
home and gardens.
I also love cooking. The houses are self-catered, but when our
guests want to taste and experience the Cypriot gastronomy
I gladly cook with them.
I mostly prefer to let them relax; privacy is all that matters
when you enter Vasilion.
For me it is my business but also it is my refuge, I cannot
PTHNPUL KVPUN HU`[OPUN LSZL HZ [OPZ PZ ÔH[ 0 LUQV` TVZ[
Vasilion is part of my history, is part of my life; we two are
bonded together.
I continue to dream and to make wishes during the August
nights.
Polis, Cyprus
42
43
My name is Mariam Abu Rkeek and this is my story

I am from the village of Tel Beer Sheva, in Negev. I was born
PUT`NYHUKTV[OLYZ[LU[[VH]LY`SHYNLMHTPS`VMIYV[OLYZ
and sisters.
Growing up, I remember watching how my grandmother
made natural beauty products and medicines from the natural
sources available to her. I remember how she helped the
people who came to her for treatment.
Mariam
Abu Rkeek
I always had a dream to do something different from my

grandmother.
When I completed my studies in Tel Sheva I received a
scholarship to travel to the UK to study a BA program. Being
in Britain showed me that the world today has an awareness
and knowledge about protecting the environment. I began to
compare modern living and my life. I started to compare what I
knew about the old traditions and saw how the modern world
is searching for natural cures, beauty and well-being. This all
made me think differently I understood that the old ways
could actually be preserved and help modern day living. As
the world is changing, many look to the old ways as solutions
in tune with societys needs.
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Desert daughter
Tourists at Negev Desert, Israel
44
So, when I returned to the Negev, I made

a decision that I was going to preserve
the traditions of my grandmother. I started
making soaps from olive oil and camels milk,
and other wild desert herbs. I also started to
produce aromatic oils. I sold my products
to local women, as well as to tourists who
would visit Israel and wanted to try my
natural products or take them home as gifts.
It wasnt easy for me as a woman coming from a rather
conservative society. In my community, people would look
at me as someone who didnt have the ability to do such
H WYVQLJ[ 5V VUL [VVR TL ZLYPV\ZS` -VY ZL]LU `LHYZ 0 ^HZ
under a lot of pressure from my family to give up my dream,
especially because I chose to make business instead of
marrying and raising a family. I held my strong belief that I
could succeed. My small business is now ten years old. At the
beginning it was only my closest sisters and neighbors who
gave me some support and helped me get started. Slowly
I\[ Z\YLS` 0 PU]LZ[LK PU [OPZ WYVQLJ[ HUK [\YULK P[ PU[V H YLHS
business.
Mariam Abu Rkeek, owner of Desert Daughter, Israel
45
Israel
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Born in a Bedouin tent in the Negev Desert,

young Mariam Abu Rkeek was attracted to
the world of medicinal plants as she wandered
in the vast and untamed desert, in search
of plants with healing properties to take to
her grandmother for usage as traditional
medicines. Today, as a self-made business
woman, she is playing a role in preserving these
natural treasures and heritage by opening an
independent business in her community. Ten
years on, she has a visitors/learning center and
HZ[VYLLTWSV`PUN]LV[OLY^VTLU:OLHSZV
lectures on Bedouin tradition. Her products are
sold on site and are now known and revered
internationally as an authentic line of Bedouin
cosmetics and healing products.
Sunset at Negev Desert, Israel
My dream is to turn my small business into an international

beauty company. This will give me the opportunity to employ
many more women from my community. Today, at Desert
+H\NO[LY0^VYR^P[O]LV[OLY^VTLUÔVHYL[OL[YLHZ\YL
VM[OPZI\ZPULZZ0UT`]PSSHNL[OLYLPZHSHJRVMQVIZH]HPSHISL
to women, so as my business grows I will be able to employ
more and more women from the village and help them provide
for their families.
I hope that Desert Daughter will tell a story that can be an

inspiration to women all over the world. If I, a Bedouin woman
without any means or resources can start a successful
business, then I believe anyone, anywhere in the world can
succeed. I hope my story will be useful to others and inspire
them. I hope others will follow my example of preserving
heritage and traditions and at the same time, offering solutions
for employment.
3PMLPZUV[^VY[OSP]PUN^P[OV\[HKYLHT
46
Negev desert, Israel
47
My name is Mohammad Daifallah from Jordan, and this is

my story
I am living with my family at Wadi Araba this is my home.
0^HZIVYUPU PUH)LKV\PUMHTPS`PUHJH]L0NYL^\W
in a place that is called today Dana Nature Reserve. When I
was a little boy I went to a school. My school was one room.
A small place. But it was school, and it was good to study,
and I saw my friends every day at school. I spent ten years
there. After that I left to go to the next school. I liked school, I
liked to learn. After that I went to the Mutah University to study
(YHIPJ3P[LYH[\YL0[^HZHIPNJOHSSLUNLMVYTLILJH\ZL0^HZ
[OLYZ[VUL[VSLH]L[OPZHYLH[VZ[\K`V\[ZPKLHUK[OLYL^HZ
no example for me to see what the people need to do. I was
HSVUL0^HZ[OLYZ[VUL0^HZZJHYLKI\[HSZVOHWW`0^HZ
[OLYZ[
Mohammad
Daifallah
Business through Bedouin
community development
What I love of my work is I am working in

nature, and I am working with the tourists.
I meet the people, and I tell them about
my culture, and also teach them about my
traditions. And also I learn about them and
their culture. When I tell my friends, they are
jealous of my job and they like what I do.
This work gives me a good chance because I learn from
this work a lot, and get many ideas about the future. If I do
anything in my future, I will say thank you for this place.
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
After that, I had to start to make money, to take care of my

MHTPS`0JHTL[V[OPZWSHJL0OVWLK0JV\SKUK^VYR[OPZPZ
my home, I know this place. I could learn. They gave me a
QVI0^HZZVWYV\K0^VYRLKH[-LU`HU,JV3VKNLPUKPMMLYLU[
QVIZ HUK SH[LY HZ HU ,JV .\PKL ;OL ^VYR OLYL OLSWLK TL
because the work was close to my family. It was a good
chance to stay close with my family, not going outside looking
MVYHQVI;VKH`0Z[PSS^VYRH[[OLSVKNL)\[UV^0HTTHYYPLK
and I have a house, and I have two children. My work is close,
so I can see my family every day. This makes me happy.
Canyoning in Wadi Ghwayr Feynan Ecolodge, Jordan
48
Mohammad Daifallah at the Feynan Ecolodge, Jordan
49
Jordan
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Feynan Ecolodge outdoor dining area Feynan Ecolodge, Jordan
If I was not working here, probably I would have to live away

from my home, from my family. Probably I would go and work
PU(XHIHRTH^H`HUK0^V\SKILMHYH^H`
This work helped me to build a nice house, also to take care
of my children. Also to use technology like the internet and the
computer. And everyday I learn a lot. There is also more for
me to learn. I am happy when I learn, and I can tell my family

HIV\[T`QVI4HÌLT`JOPSKYLU^PSS^VYROLYLVULKH`
Probably in the future I will be a famous person in this place,
because many articles are written about this place, and I am in
these articles. People see my picture. I will become a famous
person in this place, not a simple person.
;V\YPZ[ZLUQV`PUNHKH`^P[OHZOLWOLYKH[-LÙHU,JVSVKNL-LÙHU,JVSVKNL1VYKHU
50
Feynan Ecolodge is an award-winning, 26room environmentally friendly lodge located

at the South-Western edge of the Dana
Biosphere Reserve, near Petra. As expressed
by the lodge, it is a unique place in Jordan
it is completely off the grid, generating most
of its energy needs from the sun, and is lit by
candles and stars at night. Guests visit from
all over the world to experience a place like
no other: adventure, romance, tranquility,
history and nature. Opening in September
[OL SVKNL OHZ ILLU VWLYH[LK I`
,JV/V[LSZ ZPUJL :LW[LTILY -LÙHU
Ecolodges ethos is based on harmony with
its local environment: it is completely solarWV^LYLK LTWSV`LLZ HYL MYVT [OL
local communities, and the lodge generates
revenue that helps conservation efforts and
the protection of endangered species around
the reserve. Working directly with local villages
and Bedouin communities, income-generating
WYVQLJ[Z OH]L ILLU JYLH[LK [OH[ \[PSPZL [OL
Reserves natural beauty and wildlife to
generate employment opportunities. Feynan
is operated by privately owned, Jordanian
ecotourism business EcoHotels in partnership
with the ecolodges owner the Royal Society
for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN).
Wadi Araba, Jordan
51
My name is Nguyen Thi Ba, and this is my story

I am 57 years old. I was born and grew up in the Truong Yen
JVTT\ULPU[OL/VH3\KPZ[YPJ[PU[OL5PUO)PUOWYV]PUJL
4`MHTPS`SPML^HZYLHSS`KPMJ\S["TÒ\ZIHUKHIHUKVULKTL
for another woman when I was three months pregnant of our
second child.
Nguyen
Thi Ba
Before, it was very hard for me to bring up my children; we lived

mainly on cultivating several rice paddies and breeding pigs
and poultry, so I had to stay up very late to make embroidery.

I only wished to earn enough to bring up my two sons, I had
no other dreams.
In recent years, besides the farm work and breeding pigs and
poultries, I also row a boat for tourists in Trang An. I saved
enough money to build a new tiled roof-house with an area
T2 that can protect me from the rain and storms. Above
all, my sons both have good lives, so I am very pleased. I am
still working so I can save some money in case I get sick.
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Viet Nams ladies of the river
6ULVM[OL3HKPLZVM[OL9P]LYPU;YHUN(U=PL[5HT
52
Nguyen Thi Ba in her boat in Trang An, Viet Nam
53
I row a lot of tourists across this river, some are easy, some
are hard to please, but I always tell and encourage other boat
rowers to be friendly and hospitable with the tourists. During
the trips, we often introduce to our tourists the natural beauty
as well as the culture and the history of Trang An. This work is
very suitable for me, so I want to work for a long time.
Rowing the boat requires good health, I am afraid that in next
few years, when I grow old and somewhat weaker, I wont
be able to work as boat rower and when that time comes,
I will work on the farm and look after my grandchildren. My
two sons will take good care of me and they will continue this
work for me.
Before, when I did not row the boat for

tourists, my income was mainly from rice
paddies; I earned about 300.000 VND a
month. But when I was recruited by the Xuan
Truong enterprise to work as boat rower in
Trang An, I earn from 2 to 2.5 million VND a
month. In the festival time, I can earn more
than 3 million VND.
Moreover, I meet many people and obtain knowledge in the
LSKVM[V\YPZTWHY[PJ\SHYS`KPMMLYLU[J\S[\YLZ0OH]LKLSPNO[M\S
and good memories with the visitors.
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
This work gave my family a more prosperous life than before.

I saved money to build my house.
Cloudy sunset at Trang An, Viet Nam
54
Viet Nam
3VJH[LK PU =PL[ 5HTZ 5VY[O,HZ[LYU 9LK
River Delta Region, Trang An is Viet Nams
/H3VUN)H`VU3HUKH\UPX\LUH[\YHSHUK
cultural landscape. The site has been called
an outdoor geological museum not only
IVHZ[PUN WSHU[ ZWLJPLZ IPYK ZWLJPLZ
41 animal species and 31 reptile species; it
also encourages the preservation of traditional
crafts such as embroidery, pottery and stone
carving. Traditionally, local residents are
farmers. The arrival of tourists has provided
alternatives to traditional agriculture-based
work for local residents in the form of boat
THUHNLTLU[" YV^ IVH[Z [HRL [V\YPZ[Z
HYV\UK OH VM ;YHUN (UZ SHRLZ HUK
caves.
Trang An, Viet Nam
55
I am Noumeri Nasr, and this is my story

I am from Nubia, this is in Aswan. Since I have been diving,
I live in Hurghada. Hurghada is in the north of Qena and it is
HWWYV_PTH[LS`RTUVY[OVM8LUHÔPJOPZRTUVY[O
of Aswan, approximately.
Noumeri
Nasr
Hurghada started with the diving industry, and now is famous

MVYKP]PUN0HTWYV\K[VZH`0HT[OLYZ[5\IPHUKP]LYVYSL[
TLZH`[OLYZ[5\IPHUPUZ[Y\J[VY
I grew up in Aswan, in the river Nile. We are a big family we
are eleven six sisters, three brothers and my parents. When
we were children, we used to swim in the Nile, but we never
thought about diving really. Thats why, at that time, there was
not much of Nubian divers. Actually, I was working in a hotel
as a waiter. I have seen thousands of foreigners; they come to
spend a lot of money to do scuba diving. I wanted to discover
that, to try it once. Since this day, I am addicted.
Diving into the future
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
(UK 0 HT S\JR` 0U [OL 5PSL [OLYL ^HZ UV KP]PUN 0[ ^HZ Q\Z[
Z^PTTPUN RPKZ WSH`PUN PU YP]LY 5PSL 0U T` YZ[ ^H[LY KP]L
it was scary, because I have always lived above the water, I
Seashore at the Hurghada town, Egypt
56
mean, swimming and kids things. But, since I put my mask

on, it was a surprise for me. A wonderful surprise.
In the summer holiday, I was working in Alexandria to help my
family. After I tried diving, and became an open water diver
and a dive master, a lot has changed. I had more income.
Enough income for me and my family; I am proud of myself.
And also, the people, all the people I have

been teaching diving to, when I see the smile
on their faces, it is great. I never thought that
ZVTLVUL JV\SK JVTL HUK ZH` [OHUR `V\
MVY[LHJOPUNTL[OH[
My family in the beginning did not understand my love for
diving. My mom, she was very afraid for me. She feels safe
when she sees me above the water but when I am down, she
misses me. She cant see where I am, and she doesnt have
the knowledge to follow the bubblesshe thinks she lost her
ZVU;OLYZ[[PTLZOL^HZYLHSS`SPRLT`ZVUOHZZ\Y]P]LK
And from this day on, she trusts me. She knows it is not that
KPMJ\S[0M5V\TLYPJHUKVP[HUÌVK`LSZLJHU
Noumeri Nasr in Hurghada, Egypt
57
Egypt
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Noumeri with one of his students, Hurghada, Egypt
;OLYLPZZVT\JO[VZLL\UKLY^H[LY>LRUV^[OLZOILJH\ZL
^LLH[[OLT0[LHJOT`Z[\KLU[Z[VZLL[OLZOKPMMLYLU[SÙV[
Q\Z[MVYLH[PUN0[PZIL[[LY[VZOV^[OLTZVTL[OPUN[OLÙL]LY
have thought of or never tried before; and I will be so proud to
show them those things.
Today almost all my family works in tourism. My younger
brothers are divers as well; they are diving instructors.
0OH]L[OYLLRPKZ!4HY^H@LOPHHUK3\XTHU4HY^HPZHSYLHK`
a good swimmer. When she was six months old I put her in
the water and she was for a couple of seconds underwater.
Yehia, for sure will become a diver, like my teacher Yehia. That
PZÔ`0W\[@LOPH[VT`ZVU3\XTHUPZVUS`[OYLLTVU[OZVSK
but of course he has the blood of a diver.
I will never be able to thank enough my teacher, Yehia Safwat.
Actually, I met him after I was a dive master, but really not
understanding what diving, or safety diving, meant. But after I
met him, he really taught me how to be safe and make people
around me safe.
Right now, I am a master school trainer. I was planning to

THRLTVYLI\[\UMVY[\UH[LS`HM[LY1HU\HY`[OLWVSP[PJHS
problems stopped me continuing my education. But I keep
going. I study a lot. I have a lot of knowledge about diving.
And I hope tourism can come back to Egypt, and I make more
money. And I would then do my courses, for sure. And after
that, I would call my diving center the Nubian Diving Centre.
Noumeri Nasr is an Egyptian Nubian born in

1972 in a small village near Aswan. Dealing
with tourists from an early age, he started to
learn English and German, and by the time
OL UPZOLK ZJOVVS OL JV\SK JVU]LYZL LHZPS`
in several languages and today, he is proudly
,N`W[ZYZ[5\IPHUKP]LTHZ[LYHUKTHUHNLY
My friends around me, they are also very proud. Thats

Ô` [OLYL HYL H SV[ VM MYPLUKZ [OH[ OH]L HSYLHK` JLY[PLK HZ
WYVMLZZPVUHSKP]LYZ;VKH`0[OPUR[OH[TVYL[OHU5\IPHUZ
are diving, and they are diving professionally. I am sure there
are thousands of guys that want to do it and I think that after
they have seen me, they believe it is not this dangerous.
I wish, and I dream, that after the revolution things will end and
tourists will be back again to Egypt and that I can get back to
my life again, I mean, diving.
Diving in the Red Sea, Egypt
58
59
Patrick
and Carine
Van
BogaertPijkels
True ability
We are Patrick and Carine Van Bogaert-Pijkels. We live in

Sint-Niklaas, and this is our story
We met at Zigzag. And last year, we got married. We got
married in May.
Zigzag is a meeting place and a centre for mental health care.
It is now located at the Knaptandstraat. But soon they will
YL[\YU [V [OL /HaL^PUKZ[YHH[ ;OL` ^PSS IL Q\Z[ HYV\UK [OL
corner, so this will be easier for us.
Zigzag is an organization for people who stayed in a
psychiatric institution or are still in a psychiatric institution. Or
WLVWSLPUULLKMVYTLU[HSOLHS[OJHYL6YWLVWSLÔVQ\Z[]PZP[
a psychologist or psychiatrist on a regular basis. These people
are all welcome at Zigzag. My centre for mental health care
sent me to Zigzag. And there we got to know each other.
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
We do volunteer work. At Zigzag we serve drinks and we write

for the Zig en Zo-newspaper. I can be creative there. My main
hobby is music. Im the DJ of the house.
We started going on holidays when we went to the Holiday
Participation Forum. We went there to celebrate their 5th or
[O(UUP]LYZHY`&;OL[O
Disneyland, Carines and Patricks next dream trip
60
Well, when we came to the Holiday Participation Forum to

JLSLIYH[L P[Z [O HUUP]LYZHY` ^L ZOHYLK V\Y Z[VY` >L
described our dream to go to Austria someday.
We did not go on holidays immediately after our marriage.
Eventually we went from the 25th of July until the 2nd of
August, though we got married in May. We took our time to
look for what we wanted to do and how much everything
would cost.
Since that time, we have been on holidays to the seaside six
times. And this year we will return to the seaside. Our next
holiday will be at the seaside, in Blankenberge, in the Holiday
Centre Floreal.
In the very beginning, we didnt have a plan. We packed our
stuff, we went for so many days, so we need some pair of
socks, some of this, some of that and thats it. But then we
found out, also because of my autism, that you really need
some things on holidays, that you cant forget.
Because of my hobby crocheting I can earn a little bit
extra. And with everything I earn from crocheting I would like
to go to Disneyland someday. Because I proposed to Patrick
in Disneyland. And I would like to go back once. So, every
7H[YPJRHUK*HYPUL=HU)VNHLY[7PQRLSZV\[ZPKL[OLPYOVTLPU:PU[5PRSHHZ)LSNP\T
61
Belgium
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Patrick is a DJ
[PTL0ZLSSHJ\KKS`[V`0W\[HZTHSSHTV\U[PUHQHY[VZH]LMVY
Disneyland. We havent set a date yet. It could be in two years,
in three years. On the Molly Brown (attraction in Disneyland).
Thats where I asked Patrick to marry me.
We are very happy that we got to know the

Holiday Participation Centre a few years
ago. I understand that going on holidays has
an impact on other parts of your life. Youre
not just going on holidays, its something
special. For example you ask someone to
marry you.
If you want your vacation to be achievable, you have to set
your goals long in advance, I think. We set our goal. For
example, we want to go to Rome. My niece went to Rome last
year, and she cant stop talking about it. But our goal is not
next year going to Rome, because we know, we cant make
that. But we are saving our money to go to Rome.
[VRLLWH_LKHTV\U[VMTVUL`HZPKLLHJOTVU[O)LJH\ZL
we know we can do something fun with it, we can go on
holidays with that money.
The Flanders Holiday Participation Center,

established by Tourism Flanders & Brussels
PUPZHJLU[LY[OH[Z\WWVY[ZJOHSSLUNLK
WLVWSL PU [OL M\SSSTLU[ VM [OLPY KYLHTZ [V
travel. Focusing on persons and families with
KPZHIPSP[PLZWO`ZPJHSWZ`JOVSVNPJHSVYUHUJPHS
who still have the desire to travel, and simply
need the understanding and infrastructure
to make it happen. Importantly, the center
convinces tourism suppliers to create special
offers and price reductions and assists social
VYNHUPaH[PVUZ PU [OLPY [YH]LS WSHUZ [V UK [OL
right tourism offer tailored to the needs of their
target groups. In short, the center enhances
the mental and physical accessibility of tourism
products for people with special needs.
Going on holidays is important because I dont want to give

up on activities because of my autism. People with autism
often avoid busy situations because they overwhelm them.
But I dont want to give up on that, I want to do all those
activities. Even though I know Ill have to lie down the next
day, because it was too much. But we always try to plan for
an empty day, the next day.
A day out of the house, out of the daily routine, to get to know a
nice area, to get a breath of fresh air by the sea for a few days,
so that you can do some nice activities there. Its a whole other
atmosphere than when youre stuck at home. When youre on
holidays, you notice that its a totally different feeling.
We set aside a small amount of money, that doesnt have to

be each month. For example when we receive a lot of bills. Or
when something breaks, you never know. But we always try
Patrick and Carines wedding photos
62
63
I am Sandra Perang, and this is my story...

0^HZIVYU4H` 0HTVULVMZL]LUJOPSKYLU0NYL^
up in a little village called Prensekraal outside of Wupperthal.
We had a small two bedroom house with no electricity and no
water. We made use of candles and oil lamps, an Agga stove
and water from the river.
Sandra
Perang
I went to school in NuwePlaas which is about three km from

OVTL 0 UPZOLK NYHKL HUK [OLU ^LU[ [V >\WWLY[OHS \U[PS
grade 8. Wupperthal is about 15 km from home. We used to
walk to school every day, winter, summer, sun or rain.
My dream was to be a nurse. This was all I ever wanted to do
but circumstances didnt allow me to pursue my dream.
I started working on a citrus farm where I picked citrus. This

was the most challenging time in my life. The worst was the
working and living conditions at the time. I had to get up early
in the mornings to make sure that I had something to eat for
the day and then go to work in the cold winter.
0[OLUKLJPKLK[VNV[V*HWL;VÛHUK[Y`[VUKZVTL[OPUN
IL[[LY0^HSRLKMVYKH`ZMYVTKVVY[VKVVY[VUK^VYRHZ0
OHKUVTVUL`MVY[YHUZWVY[;OLSPMLPU*HWL;VÛ^HZQ\Z[
too intimidating and fast for my liking.
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Building a future in the community
As soon as I was old enough to go and work, I had to leave

school to help my parents and also to keep my younger
brothers and sisters at school.
Bushmans Kloofs, South Africa
64
Sandra Perang in her kitchen in Bushmans Kloof, South Africa
65
South Africa
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, South Africa
I then returned home where I continued working on a

vegetable farm and then eventually started working inside
a packing store. This was a little better but it was still hard
labour for little money.
doctors bills, they provide us with transport when in need,

HUK [OL` NP]L \Z PUJLU[P]LZ 0 OHK [OL VWWVY[\UP[` [V ` [V
3VUKVU MVY [LU KH`Z HUK L_WLYPLUJL [OL TVZ[ HTHaPUN [LU
days of my life.
Then I heard of Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and

5H[\YL 9L[YLH[ 0 OLHYK [OLYL ^LYL ZVTL QVI VWWVY[\UP[PLZ
there. I started as a scullery worker. There was the light at
the end of the tunnel. I started taking interest in helping the
chefs whenever I had a moment. I peeled vegetables, cut
fruit and started baking bread. I helped with breakfast and
as soon as the opportunity arouse I applied for the breakfast
chef position. From there on I grew within myself by leaps and
bounds. Today I am a Sous Chef, and I am so proud.
I now earn a decent salary that gives me the opportunity to

provide for my childrens future and to provide for my family.
It was tough and not always easy, but I made it to the top. It
^HZUV[T`KYLHTI\[0MV\UKHUV[OLYWHZZPVUVUT`QV\YUL`
0HTZVWYV\KWYV\KVMT`QVIWYV\KVMT`WSHJLVM^VYR0
HTQ\Z[ZVWYV\K
I suppose life is what you make of it but if

you dont have an opportunity then life could
only be what it is. Bushmans Kloof changed
all of this for me. Through hard work and
dedication I have become something in life.
I never would have thought that one day I
would become the Sous Chef of a 5 star
Hotel that was ranked number 1 in the world
in 2009! I have learned and experienced so
many things, and I have travelled overseas
which is a major opportunity for someone
from my community.
Bushmans Kloof has opened many doors for me, it has given
me a chance to grow and improve my life. Bushmans Kloof is
VÛLKI`[OL;VSSTHUMHTPS`Q\Z[[OLTVZ[HTHaPUNWLVWSL
;OLÒH]LI\PS[HJVTT\UP[`MVY\Z^P[OZVTHUÌLUL[Z0
could not ask for more. Our living conditions are also so much
better than anywhere else I had worked before. I have my
own little two bedroom house with a kitchen and bathroom.
I dont have to stand in the line to have a shower or make
use of kitchen facilities. My little ones can go to the crche
and I know that they are safe while I am at work. Bushmans
Kloof takes care of our childrens school fees, they cover our
If I was not doing this, what would I be doing? I might still

be working on a vegetable farm for a minimum wage. The
quality of life would probably not have been the same. My
family would probably still be struggling. I could even be sitting
at home and living off the government subsidy for my kids. I
^V\SKKLUP[LSÙV[ILHZZ\JJLZZM\SHZ0HTUV^
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and

Nature Retreat, a luxury boutique hotel and
ZWH YLZVY[ SVJH[LK VU OLJ[HYLZ VM
protected land in South Africas Western Cape,
is devoted to preserving the extraordinary
WYVM\ZPVUVM^PSKSPMLVYHHUKMH\UHMV\UKVU
the reserve. A South African Natural Heritage
Site, Bushmans Kloof is also custodian of
V]LY HUJPLU[ )\ZOTHU YVJR HY[ ZP[LZ PU
the reserve and located in the Cape Floral
Kingdom one of South Africas UNESCO
World Heritage Sites. In addition to being a
primary employer of the local community,
Bushmans Kloof has also developed a staff
village, offering housing, schooling, access to
medical care, and recreational infrastructure
for the local community, keeping community
roots, and hopes, strong.
Above all this, I can provide for my family, no one has to go to

bed on an empty stomach.
Bushmans Kloof, South Africa
66
67
*VW`YPNO[>VYSK;V\YPZT6YNHUPaH[PVU<5>;6
Tourism Stories How tourism enriched my life

Published by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Madrid, Spain.
-PYZ[WYPU[PUN!
All rights reserved.
Printed in Spain.
*V]LY!7OV[VZVM(SVUZV)LYTKLa7HUPHN\H)YPHU3LL*HYPULHUK7H[YPJR=HU)VNHLY[7PQRLSZ*YPZ[PUH:\H|H+H[V/HQP:HOHYPTHUIPU/HQP/HTKHU-HPZHS(S
Halabi, Jean Damascene Hakizimana, Jos Antonio de la Riera, Mariam Abu Rkeek, Mohammad Daifallah, Nguyen Thi Ba, Noumeri Nasr, Katie Charalambous,
and Sandra Perang.
The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinions whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat
of the World Tourism Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers
or boundaries.
>VYSK;V\YPZT6YNHUPaH[PVU<5>;6
Calle Capitn Haya, 42
4HKYPK

Spain
;LS!
Fax: (+34) 915 713 733
>LIZP[L!^^^\U^[VVYN
E-mail: omt@unwto.org
IP Address: 89.134.2.241
Citation:
>VYSK;V\YPZT6YNHUPaH[PVUTourism Stories How tourism enriched my life, UNWTO, Madrid.
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YL[YPL]HSZ`Z[LTVY\[PSPaLKPUHU`MVYTVYI`HU`TLHUZLSLJ[YVUPJVYTLJOHUPJHSPUJS\KPUNWOV[VJVW`PUNTPJYVSTZJHUUPUN^P[OV\[WYPVYWLYTPZZPVUPU^YP[PUN
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agency, is the leading international organization with the decisive
and central role in promoting the development of responsible,
sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a
global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source
of tourism know-how. Its membership includes 156 countries, 6
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How tourism enriched my life

A book by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

About this book / 6

It all began on a quiet, peaceful stretch of a river in rural Viet Nam.

At the heart of this transformative movement are all those

Tourism Stories How tourism enriched my life, written for

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) would like to thank

Peru), Pham Ngoc Diep (Viet Nam National Administration

Hola. My name is Alonso Bermdez Paniagua, and this is

A cultural hotel, a community

I always say that the sector that I work for

Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica

Alonso Bermdez Paniagua at Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica

Kindergarten at the Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica

If I was not working here? Maybe I would be working in

The hotel offers a lot of opportunities. Then it depends a lot on

Hotel Punta Islita opened in 1994 in a setting

Costa Rican forest

My name is Brian Lee, and this is my story

out of my comfort zone was an experience for me. It taught me

Where travellers learn from

My main dream for the future is to see young community

It has given me a purpose. Its showed me

I have started my own tourism business that I operate out of

2VVSQHTHU PZ [OL [YHKP[PVUHS )HYKP HIVYPNPUHS

I was actually born on another island further away from here.

We are always waiting for a tourist or a friend

In the beginning, some people in the community said that we

Cristina Suaa and her visitors

My sister shows tourists our handicrafts, and teaches them

our grandmothers and grandfathers, talking with our elders,

The Uros Khantati Asociacin de Turismo

My dream is to create a small travel agency so that the tourists

My name is Dato Haji Sahariman bin Haji Hamdan and

At the age of 25 I got married, now I have nine kids. I used

When we talk about achievement, every year is a success

-YVT [OL LHYS` Z[HNL VM ]L OV\ZLZ PU [OPZ

As I look to the future, I would like to transform this homestay

There are around 151 villages throughout Malaysia which are

In 1995, Malaysias Ministry of Tourism launched

One of the houses in the homestay programme, Malaysia

Tourists learn traditional activities in the homestay programme, Malaysia

Tea plantations in Malaysia

My name is Faisal Al Halabi, and this is my story

A few years ago when nature reserves started appearing in

Truth be told, its an impressive initiative. I hope that all

Sanctuary for tradition and

The Aammiq reserve was known for hunting, cattle grazing

Getting my family and friends to understand what I do was a

Preserving the environment is not only good

A coming together of nature and nurture,

This building has been under refurbishment for eight years

For me personally, my job has allowed me

My name is Jean Damascene Hakizimana. Im the head

I explain to my family and to my friends that I am doing activities

the park, organizing routine park patrols, short patrols, camp

Man and mountain gorillas

Mountain gorilla in Rwanda

Jean Damascene Hakizimana in the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Jean Damascene Hakizimana training trackers in using GPS

We face some challenges related to the few number of rangers

Now, I am able to do mapping and use some software that

Doing this work, I am able to continue my