Our Mission

The mission of the Cultural Restoration Tourism Project (CRTP) is to help communities around the world restore artifacts of cultural importance and to promote responsible tourism through the advancement and use of volunteer tourism. 

There is growing concern over the destruction of cultural heritage around the world and also about the possible negative affects of tourism in developing countries.  CRTP actively addresses these two major global issues with an innovative approach to both.  Around the world communities are losing precious relics and cultural identity.  To compound this situation, modern tourism often exploits these areas.  Tourism is the largest industry in the world, yet seldom, if ever, is it used in a constructive manner. According to the World Tourism Organization less than ten percent of all tourist dollars make it into the hands of local communities. 

CRTP addresses both problems with innovative programs like our ongoing project in Nepal.  CRTP is currently enacting the restoration of a Buddhist monastery in the Lower Mustang Region of Nepal.  The Chiarro Gompa restoration is carried out utilizing labor and funds donated by volunteer tourists. The number of potential restoration projects around the world is virtually limitless and the number of tourists available to participate continually grows. 

To further our commitment to serve various communities we have begun discussions for more possible projects in Egypt, Panama, Peru and Mexico.  It is our belief that the preservation of culture and artifacts is important to maintain diversity and identity on an ever-shrinking planet.