Blog

September 25, 2024

In an exclusive interview with Ms. Naaz, the visionary founder of TALES India Tours, we delve into the remarkable journey that has led to the creation of a platform deeply rooted in community-based tourism. TALES India Tours, an offshoot of TALES ENDEAVOURS, stands as a testament to Ms. Naaz’s unwavering commitment to revolutionizing the traditional concept of travel. Her passion for cultural exchange, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism is evident in every aspect of TALES, where the focus is not merely on destinations but on the stories, lives, and rich heritage of the communities that inhabit them. Her vision is clear to create a global community of slow, responsible travelers who seek authentic, soulful experiences that benefit not only themselves but also the world around them.

Dr. Niraalee Shah, a leading voice in the travel industry and Director at Travel Design Pvt. Ltd., highly recommends TALES India Tours. She shares, "TALES India Tours is a remarkable initiative that not only empowers local communities but also offers travelers a genuine and immersive travel experience. They truly embody the spirit of responsible tourism, making every journey a meaningful one." Through this collaboration, Travel Design Pvt. Ltd. and TALES India Tours are set to inspire a new wave of conscious travelers who prioritize meaningful connections over mere sightseeing.

 

 

IMAGE SOURCE: TALES INDIA | RIGHT SIDE FOUNDER MS. NAAZ WITH OLD COMMUNITY MEMBER

Can you share the inspiration behind starting TALES India Tours and how it evolved as an offshoot of TALES ENDEAVOURS? Could you also share a one-liner quote to describe TALES?

A: My inspiration for starting TALES stems from several sources:

• Community Tourism Experience: My journey in Community Tourism has been immensely enriching and fulfilling, compelling me to share the diverse tales of these communities with the world.
• Revolutionizing Travel: I felt a deep desire to transform the traditional concept of travel, shifting the focus from merely exploring destinations to truly experiencing the lives and stories of the land and its people. I aim to foster a lasting bond between host and guest communities, rooted in shared values and the true purpose of life.
• Cultural Exchange: I believe in the power of cultural exchange to challenge conventional learning and uncover the true essence of human existence.
• Endless Tales: Just as stories never end, travel experiences that connect with raw, authentic lives also continue to evolve.
• Community Trust: The faith communities have placed in me inspired the creation of TALES, where I can bring my ideas to life, ensuring respect, honour, and empowerment for local communities through sustainable, community-based experiential programs.
• Quote by Ms. Naaz | Describing TALES: "With TALES, you travel beyond lives!"

 

 

 

 

 

IMAGE SOURCE: TALES INDIA TEAM INTERACTING WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS FOR COMMUNITY TOURISM EXPERIENCES

 

What is the core vision of TALES India Tours? What services do you offer to travelers at TALES?

A: Vision: To shape a global community of responsible, slow travelers who experience the true essence of travel.

Mission: We design travels that prioritize authenticity, sustainability, and soulful experiences, benefiting communities, guests, and the world around them.

Services: We curate personalized travel plans for our clients worldwide, focusing on various themes such as nature, culture, heritage, women, villages, Indigenous communities, farming, art, food, tea, spices, backwater life, biodiversity, rejuvenation, Yoga and Ayurveda, and treks.

Our complete travel packages include:

• Safe and reliable transportation by TALES

• Sustainable accommodation options including community homestays, heritage hotels, resorts, beach resorts, and backwater resorts

Skilled TALES storytellers/guides

• Authentic experiential community-based tourism activities, workshops, and programs that offer an incredible travel experience.
• We organize travel packages in a way that the tales of the land and its people are seamlessly integrated into the itinerary, ensuring that no experiences are left unexplored.
• We follow festival and farming calendars, and Indigenous events to offer travelers unique glimpses into these rare celebrations. Every workshop we organize is filled with meaningful interactions and hands-on experiences, allowing guests to truly connect with the community they are visiting.
• We also offer specialized programs for women-only tours, senior citizens, families, couples, academics, schools, and youth carnivals that benefit the community and remain eco-friendly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMAGE SOURCE: TALES INDIA KUMARAKOM SHIKARA PROGRAM FOR GUEST ORGANIZE BY WOMEN OF COMMUNITY

How does being a women-led initiative influence the way TALES India Tours operates and engages with local communities?

A: Women are often regarded as emotional beings, and we leverage this trait as a game changer in our communications, product development, and operations, as women, we deeply understand and connect with communities, making our engagement more effective. We approach challenges with prompt solutions, and our ability to multitask allows us to manage multiple projects that align with the best interests of the communities. Our emotional intelligence is our strength, enabling us to achieve the best outcomes in every situation. 

IMAGE SOURCE: TALES INDIA VILLAGE WALK

Can you talk about the role of women in the communities you work with and how TALES India Tours empowers them through tourism?

A: We work with diverse communities across South India, where the women we encounter are iconic examples of resilience and strength. We have trained local women to serve as storytellers for TALES, capturing their tales of resilience and transforming their skills into experiential workshops. These workshops cover culinary experiences, Indigenous weaving, integrated farming, cattle farming, traditional paddy farming, archery, and cultural art forms. Through this training, these women gain exposure, engage in cultural exchange, and experience empowerment.

IMAGE SOURCE: TALES INDIA MANKULAM INDIGENOUS EXPLORATION
FOR GUEST ORGANIZE BY WOMEN OF COMMUNITY
 

How does TALES India Tours engage with local communities to ensure that tourism benefits them directly and sustainably?

A: We start by identifying the community and creating awareness through communication and training about the importance of preserving culture and roots. We discuss the social and financial empowerment opportunities, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism programs that benefit both the guest and host communities. All activities are priced after considering the time, effort, and skills provided by each community. We ensure transparency and fairness in compensation, with payments made directly to the service providers' bank accounts. This direct approach keeps the process safe and free from exploitation.

The main beneficiaries of our tourism concept are the communities who actively participate as service providers and preserve their culture and skills. A portion of the benefits is reserved for developing, training, and marketing community-based tourism programs, while the remainder supports TALES' vision of shaping a community of slow and responsible travelers.

We maintain a strict booking and cancellation policy and provide travel tips to protect both guest and host communities from exploitation. We ensure mutual respect and understanding for effective coordination in organizing sustainable tourism programs. TALES monitors each program at every destination, appointing local coordinators to act as sources of timely information and updates. We strive to be a reliable friend to the community in times of both distress and happiness.

How do you balance the need for tourism with the preservation of cultural heritage and environmental sustainability?

A: We create awareness among guests and host communities through travel guidelines and training, resulting in responsible tourism. We strictly adhere to eco-friendly practices in environmental conservation, water conservation, energy conservation, and waste management, helping us balance tourism needs with cultural heritage preservation and environmental sustainability.

We educate guests about the land they will visit, fostering a sense of accountability and respect for cultural and heritage sites. We carefully analyse tourist density at certain sites and adjust itineraries to avoid contributing to overcrowding. Climate, weather, and other factors are also considered to ensure eco-friendly and safe travel.

What are some of the key responsible travel practices you encourage your guests to adopt during their tours?

• No plastic policy: We avoid plastic during our tourism programs.
• Promotion of public transportation: We encourage public transport where possible to reduce carbon footprints.
• Locally sourced food: We emphasize the importance of locally sourced food in our workshops, educating guests about healthy food habits and the benefits of kitchen gardening.
• Support local businesses: We encourage guests to buy authentic local products.
• No-tip policy: We foster self-respect and dignity by ensuring that community members earn through their skills and services, not tips.
• Waste management: We emphasize proper waste management and discourage littering during tours.
• Cleanliness drives: We conduct cleanliness drives in the communities we work with to promote hygienic surroundings.

Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations with other organizations that help further the cause of responsible tourism?

A: We collaborate with Kabani Community Tourism & Services, a pioneer of Community Tourism in Kerala, and India Unravelled. We are also in discussions with other responsible tourism organizations to create better and more responsible tourism experiences in India for travelers worldwide.

What advice would you give to other women who are looking to start their ventures in the tourism industry?

A: Believe in your womanhood and understand that nothing can stop a woman, not even overthinking! Be passionate about your work, and remain consistent in your efforts without expecting immediate results. Tourism, being one of the most vulnerable sectors, requires patience, understanding, and on-the-ground experience to develop offbeat and exclusive products. Identify your target customers and channelize your work accordingly. Tourism is a sector where you can serve society and be a change maker for a profitable future and growth.

How do you envision the role of TALES India Tours in shaping the future of sustainable tourism in India?

A: TALES will bring together communities across India, empowering them both financially and culturally, while protecting them from exploitation by larger industry players. TALES will become the voice of these diverse communities, paving the way for safe and responsible tourism that benefits both guests and host communities. We will actively seek collaborations with like-minded organizations to further this mission, with the goal of making India a leader in responsible tourism.

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IMAGE SOURCE: TALES INDIA | CENTRAL KERALA PACKAGE

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, TALES India Tours stands as a beacon for those seeking more than just a journey; it offers a transformative travel experience deeply rooted in authenticity, sustainability, and community engagement, by choosing TALES, travelers are not merely visiting destinations, they are immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of local cultures, stories, and lives. The meticulous curation of travel plans, ranging from cultural exchanges to environmental conservation, ensures that each trip contributes positively to both the guest and the host communities. This commitment to responsible tourism not only preserves the cultural heritage and environment but also empowers local communities, particularly women, by turning their unique skills and stories into sustainable livelihoods.

Travelers should consider TALES India Tours for their next adventure because it is more than just a travel company; it is a movement towards creating a global community of conscious travelers, by booking with TALES, you are not just embarking on a memorable journey, but also playing a vital role in promoting responsible and sustainable tourism. Join TALES in redefining travel—where every trip is a meaningful story, every interaction is a cultural exchange, and every experience leaves a lasting positive impact. Let TALES guide you on a path where your travels in south India go beyond lives, creating memories that are both impactful and enduring.  

 

TALES INDIA TOURS

Ms Naaz

Email: info@talesindiatours.com

Connect: +91 99619 07067  

Address: Vengeri, Kozhikode, Kerala 673010, India