With World Fair Trade Day upon us, we thought today was the perfect time to highlight a few of our upcoming journeys that incorporate fair trade into the itinerary.
World Fair Trade Day, celebrated each year on the second Saturday of May, was started in 2001 by the World Fair Trade Organization, which describes World Fair Trade Day as an inclusive worldwide festival of events celebrating fair trade as a tangible contribution to the fight against poverty and exploitation, climate change and the economic crisis that has the greatest impact on the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Fair trade is an approach to business based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system, one that supports farmers and craftspeople in developing countries who are socially and economically marginalized.
But as the Fair Trade Federation points out, it’s about more than just trade. At the core of the fair trade model is a direct, cooperative, and in-depth relationship between buyers and sellers—all qualities that Altruvistas supports 100%.
That helps explain why many of our trips incorporate fair trade-related activities and visits into the itinerary, including a few upcoming journeys with Altruvistas’ travel partner Girlfriend Circles, which proudly sponsors travel trips for women, by women, and about women to places all over the world.
Explore Fair Trade Through Travel with Altruvistas and Girlfriend Circles
Here are 2 upcoming trips worth checking out for those interested in experiencing fair trade in action during their travels:
When: August 13-20, 2016
Trip description: This trip covers thrilling biodiversity, cultural, and beauty. Yes, there will be plenty of wildlife adventures and monkeying around, but travelers will also get to experience fair trade in action.
Fair trade highlights:
- See artisanal work from around Rwanda, and experience the bustle of women sewing, beading and creating.
- A walking tour of traditional local markets, and learn where women buy food and clothing.
- A visit to COVAGA – The Cooperative of Weavers of Gashora , where we will enjoy a weaving class.
More info: You can view the sample itinerary here.
When: August 15-25, 2015
Trip description: This trip covers thrilling biodiversity, cultural, and beauty — all while soaking it in with your new friends.
Fair trade highlights:
- Get to know a Fair Trade crafts organization, Artesana de la Chureca, and learn about beautiful local made crafts.
- Visit women’s sewing cooperative of fair trade garment factory Nueva Vida (COMAMNUVI); this cooperative sews organic and fair trade cotton clothing for the world.
- We will engage with CECOCAFEN, the Coffee Cooperatives Central Association in the Northern Regions, an organization that promotes and sells quality coffee and is a pioneer in the commercialization of fair trade coffee.
More info: You can view the sample itinerary here.
