- Partimbo Ward | Kibaya, Kiteto-Manyara | Box Office 83
- +255 677 111 356
- info@kinnapa.or.tz
The “Colourful Cultures” initiative is designed to empower local actors to generate income, protect heritage and shape their own development. It represents a landmark moment for UN Tourism as, for the first time, it provides direct financing and technical support to grassroots organizations.
A first call for proposals attracted 141 applications from non-profit organizations across Africa, with five NGOs selected.
“This first call for proposals for the Tourism for Rural Development Small Grants, enabled by TUI Care Foundation, reflects our commitment to community-led tourism in rural areas. The awarded projects provide important local foundations for creatives and entrepreneurs in rural Africa. They not only advance economic empowerment but help us position tourism as a key driver for rural development.”
“Together with UN Tourism, TUI Care Foundation is proud to provide support and financial assistance to rural communities and further solidify the position of tourism as a driver for rural development. I deeply believe that the carefully selected projects will create a positive impact for both rural host communities and their visitors.”
Organisation: Associação dos Deficientes Moçambicanos (ADEMO)
Country: Mozambique
This project boosts local artisan income for communities around the Gorongosa National Park, with a focus on empowering people with disabilities by strengthening local product development and market access. It engages up to 110 people (over 60% women) through training, workshops, and collaboration with tourism stakeholders.
Organisation: Namibia Development Foundation Trust
Country: Namibia
Rooted in the indigenous Khwe community, this project revitalizes traditional arts through training in product development and cultural storytelling. It supports a cultural centre for 50 Khwe artisans, positioning their creativity within sustainable tourism circuits.
Organisation: Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development
Country: Rwanda
Focused on women and youth-led cooperatives in Nkotsi and Bisate villages, this project boosts income through training in visual arts, entrepreneurship, and storytelling — benefiting up to 100 participants by enhancing access to tourism markets.
Organisation: Nature Rwanda
Country: Rwanda
This project protects the Busaga Forest while creating a women- and youth-led tourism destination with guided experiences and handicrafts — supporting 30 community members (mostly women) in conservation, guiding, and craft production.
Organisation: KINNAPA Development Programme
Country: Tanzania
With a focus on cultural preservation, this project establishes a community-run training programme for local women and young people in arts, crafts, and tourism services. It aims to turn heritage into opportunity by promoting skills, pride, and economic empowerment in Kiteto District. The project will train 50 people (60% women), equipping them with practical skills for sustainable enterprises.
The Tourism for Rural Development Small Grants Programme aims to diversify rural livelihoods, promote sustainable heritage management, conserve nature, and develop community-based tourism value chains. The first call for proposals, "Colourful Cultures", enabled by the TUI Care Foundation, focuses on empowering artists and artisans — particularly women and youth — by supporting grassroots organizations to strengthen creative economies, drive economic inclusion, and foster structural diversification through tourism in remote communities.
More updates from the field coming soon. 🌍
Read the Full Announcement on UN Tourism