Competitions » All Competitions » The Geotourism Challenge: Celebrating Places - Changing Lives » Discussions » Discussion about entry: Hill Tribe Eco Tour

Discussion about entry

Hill Tribe Eco Tour
by Barry Bryce | Feb 21, 2008
63 reads | 12 Comments
This is discussion about Hill Tribe Eco Tour.

Links:

Hello Barry, How long do

by Dana Frasz | Mar 03, 2008
 
Hello Barry, How long do visitors usually stay? You mention the importance of the Hill Tribe learning to arrange home-stays without the assistance of intermediaries. Have you thought of a system that you could implement to make this easier for the Hill Tribe? Are you planning to incorporate some kind of training in this regard? Thanks Dana Frasz Changemakers

Tour

by Barry Bryce | Mar 03, 2008
 
Hello Dana, Visitors stay on average 3 days. In relation to arranging home-stays without intermediaries, we have a plan to train individuals in communities in computer/internet and business administration especially as it relates to managing the tour. The villages, once a website is developed, would be in change of website content including virtual tours of the villages. The training received would enable them to receive requests directly and manage the activity themselves. The plan requires computer and internet connection in all the villages that have home-stays. We are in the process of seeking funds to implement this plan. Barry

Training

by Paul Garrioch | Mar 18, 2008
 
Also, it should be noted that quite a number of local Hill Tribe people have already received training from Mirror to work as tour guides. This training is continuing. They also receive training in Japanese and English language. So definitely at the moment the local people are gaining skills and ability to run their own tourism projects.

marketing channels

by Xavier Font | Mar 05, 2008
 
How do you distribute and communicate your product? I am thinking, can this survive long term without outside intervention?

Marketing

by Barry Bryce | Mar 09, 2008
 
The Foundation does not distribute or communicate our product through traditional sources. We do not use retail outlets, sales force, direct mail or telemarketing. Most of communication and distribution are through the internet and word-of-mouth. We offer no objection to outside intervention. However, in terms of locally, we would like the Hilltribe to have greater control of the services they offer. That is we would like the Hilltribe to set up mechanisms to promote their product and get a fair price for services offered. At the moment, local tour companies pay the Hilltribe a fraction of the fee earned for these services.

Advertising

by Paul Garrioch | Mar 18, 2008
 
The product is listed on a number of websites (free). Some volunteer tour companies use Mirror Foundation to send their volunteers to. As do some schools. Added to that, as pretty much everyone leaves here as a very happy and impressed customer, word of mouth very quickly spreads the information and we now find ourselves listed in various guide books. Without spending on advertising, the number of interested people in touring in this area and through this project is steadily increasing.

Advertising

by Paul Garrioch | Mar 18, 2008
 
The product is listed on a number of websites (free). Some volunteer tour companies use Mirror Foundation to send their volunteers to. As do some schools. Added to that, as pretty much everyone leaves here as a very happy and impressed customer, word of mouth very quickly spreads the information and we know find ourselves listed in various guide books. Without spending on advertising, the number of interested people in touring in this area and through this project is steadily increasing.

Eco Tourism Project

by Paul Garrioch | Mar 18, 2008
 
This project has been very successful in promoting and strengthening Hill Tribe cultures. It has helped villages receive an extra income and this income has been distributed fairly amongst the whole village and it is done in a sustainable way and in a way that promotes local culture and knowledge. Added to that it has increased awareness to people from many corners of the Earth and helped develop the spirit of volunteering and caring for others in many many visitors. Good luck in the competition

Thailand Hilltribes

by Virginia Fuchs | May 28, 2008
 
This is a project worthy of acclaim and recognition. I live in Thailand and have personally witnesed the disintegration of the values and culture of the hilltribe people. They often travel with their children to tourist sites to beg throughout the night because they are desperate and have no hope for the future. A grant of the nature described would help restore their pride, self-esteem and encourage their industrious nature.

Entry:Hill Tribe Eco Tour

by NS SRi | May 28, 2008
 
This is an interesting program to enable both hill tribes and visitors to understand the differences. Moreover, to support the hile tribes people for an honest way of living by sharing their way of living and culture.

MAG is the greatest thing that is happening in the North

by Roscoe Turner | May 28, 2008
 
If any one is looking for an organization that is working for the Hill Tribe people of Thailand and encouraging volunteerism, look no further. We have known and worked with them for 4 years and watched them grow. We have partnered with them to build buildings that were needed and helped with scholorships for needy students. We wish them well in this competition. Roscoe and Jan Turner Roscoe's Thai Projects

this is a good project

by salakchit kaewkham | May 28, 2008
 
A good project for who would like to learn about hill tribe way of living