Community Impact
Hello Destination Chasers!
We have been organizing adventures around the world since 2019, and have now hosted over 300 of you in more than 25 countries. We are passionate about showing you the world and giving you the opportunity to explore lesser-known destinations.
But as a travel agency, we do more than just adventures. By partnering exclusively with locals and going where most people don't, we combine unforgettable experiences for the traveler, with giving back to the communities that we are fortunate enough to be hosted by.
You can find here a few interviews with some of the people that YOU positively impact every time you become a destination chaser!
Egypt
Who?
Dalia, female tour guide
Where?
Egypt, North Africa
What/how?
Dalia stands strong as one of a few women in a mostly male-dominated industry, bringing the country closer to people like you and I: those who want to learn about the country she calls home, its people, culture, and history. Dalia offers a unique insight into both ancient Egypt – and the country it is today: coupling histories of the past, traditions, and how people live today with her personal stories.
What motivates you to work in the travel industry?
I want travelers to understand more about Egypt, not just the history and culture but also see the good side of the country. Some places are wired differently, and that gives each place its own beauty. If people understand that, the whole world would be a better place for all of us.
How has tourism impacted your community?
Egypt is a country driven by tourism and not only by guides or hotels. There are multiple engines in place, all interconnected, that help boost tourism. But the types of tourism that truly have an impact are the ones that use small businesses, accommodation and restaurants to make a difference. This is one of the reasons why I am proud to work for companies like Destination Chaser.
What do you love most about your country?
Every site has its flavor and its own vibes. You can go to the Red Sea and go snorkeling. You can relax on the Nile. If you like the city you can go to Cairo, or you can go to the desert to the oasis. Egypt has so much to offer.
What is your favorite place in your country?
Personally, I love Aswan. There is no reason why, but you feel special there. The Nile looks different there. The people there are incredibly kind. I would regard it as one of the best places.
Why should people travel to Egypt?
By visiting Egypt, you will learn about one of the world’s oldest cultures and civilizations. How people live in a different place from your own. It is a way to widen your way of thinking, open your eyes and make you enlightened.
Ethiopia
Who?
Bre, tour guide
Where?
Ethiopia, East Africa
What/how?
One of the best guides out there! He treats you like a close friend – contagious humor that makes anyone feel at home, and incredible attention to detail to ensure everything everyone has the time of their lives.
What motivates you to work in the travel industry?
My brother was the first one to work in tourism. His job seemed so interesting. He was showing the country to tourists every month. I was inspired to do the same too.
How has tourism impacted your community?
Tourism has created many job opportunities around the country. It benefits the local businesses like small coffee shops, restaurants etc.
What do you love most about your country?
I love how the country has such diverse and unique cultures and landscapes.
What is your favorite place in your country?
The Danakil depression, Simien mountains and Lalibela are my favorite sites.
Why should people travel to Ethiopia?
Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in the world. People should experience the unique culture in the Omo valley. Places like Erta Ale and Dallo are so special, and the churches in Lalibela are different from anything else.
Mauritania
Who?
Baba, tour guide
Where?
Mauritania, Northwest Africa
What/how?
There’s no better way to describe Baba as a young force of change: working hard to put Mauritania on the map of travelers through his outstanding hospitality, making adventures more accessible – and connecting visitors to locals.
What motivates you to work in the travel industry?
Being able to show the beauty of my country and seeing how tourists interact with locals, especially children. It brings me so much happiness.
How has tourism impacted your community?
It has impacted my country and community in many different ways! In economic ways, where locals have an income from tourists. It also helps them see their country in a different way and realize what they really have!
What do you love most about your country?
The best thing I like about my country is people’s hospitality here!
What is your favorite place in your country?
My favourite sites in Mauritania are Azouega, Chinguetti and Terjit Oasis.
Why should people travel to Mauritania?
People should visit Mauritania because of the diverse tourist attractions that the country offers. It has something for every type of tourist. Plus locals are warm and always welcoming!
Madagascar
Who?
Theo, tour guide
Where?
Madagascar, Southeast Africa
What?
Sharing his passion with people: He decided to become a tour guide because he loves nature, traveling and being able to share the ways of his country with visitors from an inside perspective. The songs you’ll learn, and the stories you’ll hear, is what will truly mean to you with the island nation of Madagascar, thanks to Theo!
What motivates you to work in the travel industry?
I love being around people, communicating with people different from myself and exchanging experiences.
How has tourism impacted your community?
It has created jobs, helped my family along with other families. It has also made people aware of the environment and how important it is to protect it.
What do you love most about your country?
What I love most in Madagascar are the different types of landscapes the country offers!
What is your favorite place in your country?
My favorite site in Madagascar is Pangalane Canal because of its beautiful nature, it's rich in culture, has nice beaches and you can see lemurs here!
Why should people travel to Madagascar?
People should come to Madagascar because it is rich in biodiversity and a unique country in the world. It has so many different cultures where you can experience how welcoming people are. It is an unforgettable destination.
Guatemala
Who?
Mujeres de la Luna group
Where?
Guatemala, Central America
What?
This is a women-only group in Santa Cruz de La Laguna which is part of our Guatemala Adventure itinerary. We take a local boat to this community and spend all day learning from indigenous women about their traditions and culture, while learning their crafts, cooking with them, and even engaging in Temazcal - the local sauna!
What motivates you to work in the travel industry?
We wanted to have independence and autonomy, which is something that every woman should have access to. This is our way to take into account the needs of the community while staying true to our origins.
How has tourism impacted your community?
Not only has this group created more sources of income, but it has also enabled us to engage and learn from people from all over the world.
What do you love most about your country?
The thing we love most about our country is our traditions. It is what shapes our identity.
What is your favorite place in your country?
Our own community - Santa Cruz de La Laguna. We live by a lake, surrounded by beautiful mountains and volcanoes.
Why should people travel to Guatemala?
People should come to Guatemala to see a new culture for themselves, to see how people live here. For example, just around our lake each town has something different to offer. That is what makes us so special.
At Destination Chaser we always use local businesses, guides and providers. This means more work and responsibility for us to make sure that we find the best of what a location has to offer, but the effort is always worth it – both for our conscience, and for the lives we know we have changed for the better through our group adventures. We hope you enjoyed these stories and we look forward to seeing you in one of our adventures!