# Culturally Immersive Travel Backstreet Academy Offers Authentic Travel Experiences and Local Hosts By Alyson Wyers | Published 2015-04-17 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/authentic-travel References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/for-profit-social-enterprise-connects-craftsmen-cooks-visiting-tourists/) & [backstreetacademy](https://www.backstreetacademy.com/) In an effort to provide travelers with an [authentic travel experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travelshare), social business Backstreet Academy pairs people up with locals in the area, specifically disadvantaged cooks and craftspeople. The for-profit model works with non-governmental organizations across Asia, enabling natives to offer [tours and classes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ef-adventures) as well. In addition to offering authentic travel, Backstreet Academy focuses on democratizing travel in developing nations and empowering communities in South East Asia by giving an entry point to the [tourism industry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/indigenous-tourism), which is typically dominated by travel agencies. The online platform asks such community members for culturally specific activities like fishing, boxing, weaving and knife-making. All these independent tours and activities are curated and tested by the Backstreet Academy team and are often executed with trained facilitators present (usually local students who speak English). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Culturally Specific Travel:** There is an opportunity for travel companies to provide unique and authentic travel experiences by offering culturally specific activities and pairing travelers with locals in disadvantaged communities. - **Democratized Tourism:** Businesses can empower communities in developing nations by creating opportunities for entry into the tourism industry and providing an alternative to traditional travel agencies. - **Socially Responsible Tourism:** Travel companies can focus on providing responsible tourism experiences that benefit local communities and promote their cultural heritage. ### Who This Affects Most - **Travel and Tourism:** Travel companies can disrupt the traditional tourism industry by focusing on culturally immersive travel and empowering local communities in developing nations. - **Social Enterprise:** Social enterprises can enter the tourism industry by creating platforms that connect travelers with local artisans and craftspeople, providing them with an entry point to the industry. - **Non-governmental Organizations:** NGOs can partner with travel companies to promote culturally specific tours and activities that benefit local communities and empower disadvantaged individuals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Immersive Culinary Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/immersive-culinary-experiences.md) - [Authentic AI-Powered Travel Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-travel-tool.md) - [Influencer Travel Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/influencerhosted-tour-program.md) - [Family Homestay Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homestays-with-kids.md) - [Culturally Immersive Vacay Destinations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-marriott-vacation-clubs.md) - [Cultural Dining Discovery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/authfoodmaps.md) - [Culinary-Focused Travel Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-tours.md) - [Backpacker-Connecting Travel Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cotravel.md) - [Curated Travel Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaido.md)