About Us

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About Us

Since 2017, the Community Homestay Network (CHN) has been redefining tourism in Nepal, connecting travellers with authentic, community-led experiences that empower locals and preserve cultural heritage. Community Connect, our signature yearly event launched in 2024, takes this mission further by inviting selected participants on three transformative trips across Nepal, exploring rural villages, semi-urban gems, and urban hubs. Collaborating with 50 diverse communities, we showcase immersive homestays and artisan experiences, from crafting Newari repoussé in Patan to dancing with Tharu communities in Bardiya, offering unparalleled insights into Nepal’s culture and landscapes.

Recognizing the power of community tourism (CT), Community Connect empowers rural voices, fosters sustainable entrepreneurship, especially for women and youth and diversifies Nepal’s tourism offerings. Each itinerary highlights unique CT products, blending cultural exchange with offbeat travel to leave a positive footprint on destinations and their people. Supporting 361 households and 1,996 beneficiaries, our model ensures economic benefits ripple through communities, backed by comprehensive training in hospitality and co-creation with local stakeholders.

Through exposure trips, we bridge travellers, operators, and creators, showcasing the relevance of sustainable practices firsthand. Honoured by TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places 2025’ and the PUM Impact Award 2024, CHN’s Community Connect is your gateway to Nepal’s soul, three unforgettable journeys that empower, connect, and sustain. Join us to experience tourism that transforms lives and celebrates heritage.

Program Schedules

Programme Schedule

Join us at Community Connect: Building Partnership for Community Tourism, where industry experts and community leaders converge to explore sustainable tourism practices. Delve into keynote addresses, panel discussions, and cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of Nepali communities. Engage in immersive experiences and networking opportunities to foster partnerships and promote responsible tourism.

Panelists

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Ms. Joanna Haugen

Award-Winning Writer, Public Speaker, Consultant, Founder of Rooted Storytelling

JoAnna Haugen is a distinguished writer, speaker, consultant, and advocate known for her innovative contributions to the travel and tourism industry. With a career spanning communications-focused roles in this field, JoAnna has dedicated herself to promoting sustainability and social impact through storytelling. As the founder of Rooted, an influential solutions platform, JoAnna is in charge of advancing sustainable tourism practices and strategic storytelling to transform travel experiences. Her expertise has garnered recognition from numerous publications, with her work featured in over 60 print and online outlets, including AFAR, Fast Company, and BBC Travel. In addition to her writing achievements, JoAnna has held editorial positions for esteemed publications such as Adventure Travel News and Matador Network. Her impactful contributions have earned her accolades, including being named a winner in the storytelling category of Newsweek's Future of Tourism awards. An avid traveler and international election observer, JoAnna currently calls Carthage, Tunisia, home.

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Ms. Priyanka Singh

Community Tourism Project Manager, Asia-Pacific, Planeterra

Priyanka is an avid traveller and passionate development worker. For Priyanka, Planeterra provided the perfect synergy to continue doing what she loves while spreading the benefits of tourism. With almost 15 years experience working with communities and a Masters degree in Conflict Analysis and Peace Building, Priyanka’s work has brought her to remote locations across India, as well as Cambodia, Pakistan and Afghanistan. These experiences made her see the kindness and desire to provide a healthy life for our families that connects us all. As the Community Tourism Project Manager, Asia-Pacific, Priyanka works closely with Planeterra partners across Asia Pacific. From stewarding communities, community tourism integration, and mentoring communities, part of Planeterra’s Global Community Tourism Network is just a few things that make up her regular work day.  

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Mr. Atulya Pandey

Co-CEO, Outside Tech

Atulya Pandey is the co-CEO of Outside, a Kathmandu-based design and technology studio with a global footprint. With over 12 years in tech, he's led Outside to complete 200+ projects for clients like The New Yorker, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Statue of Liberty Foundation. Atulya focuses on strategy, operations, and sales and is passionate about using technology to empower communities, as seen in his work with Community Homestay.

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