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Photo credit: Vinitaa Jayson for Fernwayer
Fernwayer, a new travel marketplace, has launched with a mission to change the tourism industry by championing experiences that enable meaningful connections between travelers and local communities. This initiative comes at a crucial time when popular destinations like Barcelona, Venice, and Santorini face increasing challenges from overtourism.
Fernwayer believes that what’s needed is a fundamental shift in how we think about tourism—why we travel, and how we engage with the people and places we visit.
"The pandemic gave us an opportunity to reassess how we connect with others and the world around us," says Vinitaa Jayson, co-founder of Fernwayer. "We're not advocating for a return to mass tourism as we knew it, but rather a complete reimagining of travel itself—one that prioritizes mutual respect and understanding."
The company's platform demonstrates this philosophy in action. In Lisbon, travelers can engage with "A Avó Veio Trabalhar" ("Grandma Came to Work"), an intergenerational creative hub founded by Susana António. This experience provides a space for elderly craftswomen to share their wisdom and artisanal skills with visitors, creating meaningful cross-cultural exchanges.
"Tourism, when guided by respect and thoughtful planning, becomes a force for renewal, financial prosperity, and cultural vibrancy," explains Alok Singh, co-founder of Fernwayer. "We're moving away from travel as consumption toward travel as connection, ensuring that our experiences return real value to local communities through fair pricing and sustainable practices."
In the Algarve region of Portugal, Fernwayer partners with João Ministro, an environmental activist turned travel entrepreneur who has had a prominent role in preserving traditional crafts and supporting local artisans. His experiences connect travelers with master craftspeople, from coppersmiths creating traditional cataplana pans to ceramicists hand-shaping clay chimneys.
In Venice, Andrea Rossi, a 4th generation Burano fisherman is striving to preserve the Venetian Lagoon’s fragile ecosystem. He collaborates with Fernwayer to offer evocative, private boat tours that offer a unique perspective, showcasing tranquil landscapes, rich wildlife, and a glimpse into traditional fishing techniques.
"Our marketplace facilitates high-end, authentic experiences that build genuine human connections,” adds Jayson, while preserving the very essence of what makes each destination special."
About Fernwayer
Founded by entrepreneurs committed to revolutionizing tourism, Fernwayer operates as a curated marketplace connecting thoughtful travelers with authentic, locally-sourced experiences, currently in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Croatia. It is a counterpoint to bundled travel packages and the clutter of uncurated booking platforms. The company's name, inspired by the German word "fernweh" (an aching for unfamiliar places), embodies its mission to create travel experiences that enrich both visitors and destinations for generations to come.
Contact Info:
Name: Joana Taborda
Email: Send Email
Organization: Fernwayer
Website: http://fernwayer.com
Release ID: 89146989
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