“A celebration like no other”: G Adventures unveils GX speaker lineup, Village People to perform

G Adventures and Planeterra have announced the speaker and performer schedule for its inaugural GX event, and it includes a private concert by iconic, world renowned, music group The Village People, PAX has learned.

The event, which PAX will be covering on location in Peru, will feature the first World Community Tourism Summit being hosted on World Tourism Day, Sept 27, 2023. 

The day will be packed with informative and eye-opening discussions, and will conclude at an after party with a private show for GX attendees by the fabulous disco and funk group known for such as hits as Macho Man, Y.M.C.A, Go West and In The Navy.

During GX, which runs from September 22, 13 Canadian agents and partners will join G Adventures’ community of suppliers, media, team members and travellers, as they gather from around the globe to experience firsthand the positive impact community tourism can have on a destination.

READ MORE: G Adventures to host “first of its kind” community tourism summit in Peru

The event culminates on World Tourism Day, Sept. 27, where all groups will be brought together for a day of uplifting and informative keynote talks and lively discussions.

These will be followed by dinner and a gold-themed party in celebration of Planeterra’s 20th anniversary, to be hosted at the ancient temple of Qorikancha, sponsored by ProColombia, with a grand finale performance by Village People closing out the night.

Inspirational and adventurous travel personalities Jessica Nabongo, Tyson Mayr and Mario Rigby will deliver powerful keynote presentations highlighting how community tourism has impacted them on their travels and shaped who they are as travellers.

Thought-provoking conversations tackling important issues such as how community tourism can have a positive impact on local communities – especially for women – will also be held.

Thought leaders, including influential travel media, will come together to discuss community tourism’s role in the climate crisis, as well as to tackle issues in travel that are currently prevalent in the press such as overtourism in popular hotspots.

"A celebration like no other"

Bruce Poon Tip, founder of both G Adventures and Planeterra, said GX will be a groundbreaking and life-changing event for guests, as they see firsthand the power community tourism can have to impact positive change when they visit four community tourism enterprises developed in partnership with Planeterra.

“This event is going to be a celebration like no other,” said Poon Tip. “I can’t wait to show our community of communities just how transformative travel can be when it’s done right - not just for local people, but also for our guests as they see what a pivotal role they play in empowering people working in the tourism sector.

“GX is an evolution of all the events we have hosted over the years – it's bigger and better than any that have come before it. We have an incredible lineup of inspiring and influential speakers who are all committed to making the world a better place through travel. I am grateful and humbled they are joining us, and are enthusiastic to share their personal journeys and knowledge.

“We’ve been showcasing the beautiful concept of community tourism to our travellers for years, and I can’t wait to welcome our guests to Peru to also show them what it's all about, and to have a lot of fun at the same time.

“And what better way to wrap up the first World Community Tourism Summit than with an act that stands for diversity and inclusion and bringing different communities together, the iconic Village People.”

Jamie Sweeting, president of Planeterra, said GX and the World Community Tourism Summit will explore how the travel industry can better support and engage in community tourism.

“We’re excited to showcase the evolution of Planeterra and G Adventures’ impact on local communities, with some of Planeterra’s earliest community tourism partners taking the stage to share their knowledge and experience. These partners exemplify what it means to do community tourism well, so we can all learn from them,” said Sweeting.

An all-star lineup

Speakers who will take the stage during the first World Community Tourism Summit on September 27, 2023 include:

Alfredo Ferreryos - Explorandes

Brendan Roberts - TourRadar

Bruce Poon Tip - G Adventures

Daniel Walsh - Reforest

Dayvee Sutton - Reporter and travel expert

Halga Benito - Parwa Community Restaurant

Jamie Sweeting - Planeterra

Jessica Nabongo - Travel expert and author

Joanna Hagen - Sustainability expert and writer

José Koechlin - Inkaterra

Juan Sebastian Sanchez Chica - ProColombia

Judy Kepher-Gona - Sustainable Travel & Tourism Agenda

Kevin Rushby - The Guardian

Meenu Vadera - Azad Foundation

Mario Rigby - Eco-explorer

Thomas Armitt - Planeterra

Tyson Mayr - Adventurer and presenter

For more information on GX, please visit here. 

Stay tuned for PAX's in-depth on-location coverage of the exciting and informative event! 

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.