Beyond Tourism

The META Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit think tank promoting cultural, social and environmental sustainability through a hospitality lens. We research and innovate on more equitable and decentralized frameworks of exploration in a time of over-tourism and accelerating globalization.

“Freedom of thought, individualism and equality in a future of digital disruption and technological advancement is important for the future of humanity.”

— Techism Movement, Krista Kim

“We want to elevate virtual experiences while tying them back into cultural, social and environmental sustainability goals. As we start traveling more consciously, virtual artifacts offer more accessible and informal ways to engage and support local communities.”

— Markus Schreyer, META Foundation

[PROJECT 1]

NFT

Meta Foundation - Prayer Flag by Asha Kama

A series of 1080 NFTs

The META Foundation, in collaboration with VAST Bhutan and the Rubin Museum, pioneers virtual travel with a collection of 1080 NFTs spreading good wishes and positive messages from Bhutan — a small Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas that measures happiness instead of gross domestic product — across the metaverse. Sales will support educational programs, and the cleaning of the mountains surrounding Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital-city.

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[HOSPITALITY 3.0]

DISCOVER

[VIRTUAL ARTIFACT]

THE PRAYER FLAG PROJECT

The META Foundation, in collaboration with VAST Bhutan and the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City, pioneers virtual travel with a collection of 1080 virtual artifacts spreading good wishes and positive messages from Bhutan — a small Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas that measures happiness instead of gross domestic product — to a global audience. Sales support educational programs, and the cleaning of the mountains surrounding Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital-city.

EXPLORE

“These days, we need more love so we hoist more prayer flags. Culturally, they should not last forever, but we print them with permanent ink because we want our prayers to last longer. Virtual prayer flags are both persistent and fleeting.”
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— Asha Kama, founder of VAST Bhutan

[OUR SERVICES]

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In the age of ubiquitous technology and spatial computing, we must learn from hospitality concepts to develop a Human Interface as an evolution of traditional UX/UI design to conceive of meaningful experiences. The META Foundation prototypes new models to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries and foster dynamic connections with diverse communities.

[FRAMEWORK]

Painting by Asha Kama - Paintings section - METAFoundation

INTERACTIVE

By providing tools for interaction and engagement, we can empower communities to express their unique identities and preserve their cultural heritage. This can lead to a deeper appreciation and respect for different cultures, fostering a sense of global unity and empathy.

COMMUNITY DRIVEN

A community-driven focus ensures that the virtual experiences reflect the richness and depth of traditions, practices, and perspectives of local cultural drivers, whether they be artists, artisans, activists, farmers to learn from them and support their livelihoods while furthering their cultural heritage.

IMPACTFUL

Going beyond superficial experiences, we seek to create impactful encounters which drive positive change, promote social causes, and raise awareness about important issues while evoking emotions, challenging perceptions, and inspiring action.

DISTRIBUTED

A distributed approach ensures that projects have a multi-dimensional impact, leveraging the strengths of various partners and stakeholders to create meaningful and sustainable outcomes. This network of collective expertise enables the development of innovative solutions to address the specific needs and aspirations of the communities involved.

OPEN ON SPATIAL

Horses Art by Asha Kama - Meta Foundation

[PROJECT 2]

CHACCHOBEN, MEXICO

In partnership with local artist Carmen Mondragon, this upcoming project aims to encourage community revitalization, and help establish a sustainable economy through art and tourism in the small village of Chacchoben, located near the coast of the Mexican Caribbean. Hosting one of the largest Mayan settlements in the region, the village suffers from high rates of domestic violence and substance abuse, rising social issues, and ongoing sanitation problems, despite its proximity to major tourist attractions — the Mayan ruins.

Coming Fall 2023