When local communities see direct and fair benefits from tourism—such as employment, local sourcing, and infrastructure investment—they are more likely to support and participate in the sector.

This inclusive approach helps reduce tensions associated with overtourism and leads to more balanced and sustainable growth.

Singular Spain, a travel agency from Madrid, works with rural communities to create trips that focus on the people who live there. Tourists meet local farmers, artists, and craftspeople, and take part in their daily activities like workshops and visits.

The local people get paid fairly for their time. Some offer meals, host guests in their homes, or guide tours. This gives locals income and also helps visitors learn more about rural life. At the beginning, the agency had problems with things like poor infrastructure and little help from tourist offices. They solved this by creating their own network and working directly with communities.

This model helps reduce mass tourism and shows a different way to travel. It supports small businesses, respects the environment, and offers authentic experiences that tourists love. It also helps spread tourism to new areas and different times of the year.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more travelers want safe, small-group, meaningful experiences. By involving locals, Singular Spain creates strong connections and long-lasting memories. This idea can work anywhere if there is good communication and trust between the travel agency and local people. These practices match well with national lessons on supporting cultural diversity, reducing over-reliance on tourist hotspots, and building stronger local economies.