GATN aims to empower local economies

Alternative tourism aims to support local economies by patronizing locally-made products

Protect and Respect the Culture of the Local Community

The heart of Alternative Tourism aims to protect and respect the culture, traditions, and belief of the local community

Protection of women and children

Alternative Tourism aims to protect vulnerable sectors such as the women and children

GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE TOURISM NETWORK

Know more about GATN, it's principles and the story behind it.

Our Program

The Global Alternative Tourism Network is an initiative of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs to promote sustainable tourism. More than the belief that tourism should be leisure and pleasure, GATN believes that tourism should be a learning, sharing and transformational experience.

Our Movement

The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs is a membership of 24 countries in the Asia and Pacific. It has been conducting several programmes with objectives of sustainable lifestyle, economic development of marginal communities, and preservation of environment and ecology. Sustainable tourism was seen as a means to implement such outcomes in a unique, interesting, and integrated way.

Our Stories

GATN Stories is a compilation of narrative, realizations, or thoughts about the Alternative Tourism program of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs. For people wanting to share their stories, send an email to karrenf@asiapacificymca.org.

Our Resources

As part of our advocacy to increase awareness about Alternative Tourism, here are several resource materials available for all to read in order to grasp the concept.

Alternative Tourism

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries with more people being interested to travel and experience different places. However, behind the well-advertised images of holidays and funs lays a darker reality that affects the community. In the same manner that Tourism is too gigantic industry to wish it away. Given the innate desire for travelling, tourism will continue to exist. Hence, there is a need for a kind of tourism that will bring benefit to both the travellers and the local community.

The participants of the Managers' Training held in Matara, Sri Lanka

Traversing the busy street of Sri Lanka

The Sending YMCAs gave perspective on their expectation

Listening attentively during the discussions

“I am glad that I had a chance to work with the YMCA as a volunteer. I worked very hard every day with the group. I met new people with different language and culture. Yet, we get along very well. We have a lot of things in common- it’s social heart. We love to share and learn from each other and the community as well.” - Lita Chheang, YMCA of Cambodia

"True friends are never apart. Maybe in distance, but never in Heart” this quotation symbolizes the friendship we have with the Taiwanese Campers. They may be far from us but because of the friendship we built when they were here, they will never be apart from our hearts." - Kristen Claire Z. Bacani, YMCA of Pangasinan

"I am so glad that our project was very successful; the camaraderie and patience of everyone made all these things possible. With all the moments and experience that we shared with each other, it will serve as my inspiration to be a better person." - Reggie Ann, YMCA of Pangasian