If, like us, climbing virtually is the only way you’d ever go to the top (or even Base Camp) of Mt. Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, here’s your chance. And to do some good at the same time. Planeterra is inviting members of the travel industry to take part in the Planeterra Trek Challenge, which is designed to help rebuild community tourism around the world following the devastating impact of COVID-19.
This year’s trek puts a spotlight on the work of Planeterra’s partners in South Asia, including Nepal, with the challenge being for participants to walk the 65 km (85,000 steps) it takes to climb to Everest Base Camp.
The virtual event will take place next week (Sept. 21-27), with participants “reaching the top” on World Tourism Day, Sept. 27.
Toronto-based Planeterra founder Bruce Poon Tip, who also founded small-group adventure tour operator G Adventures, has built his own team for the Challenge and has pledged to match donations from participating teams and donors up to $25,000.
“The Planeterra Trek Challenge is an opportunity for us to come together virtually and create a sense of connection at a time where people are feeling distanced, not just from travel but from other countries and cultures,” says Poon Tip, who adds, “Most of us are missing travelling and many are looking for a way to give back to the people and communities who have given us life-changing travel experiences in the past. I’m excited to invite our agency partners, suppliers, and the wider tourism industry to join us in raising some much-needed funds.”
Poon Tip says he also want to shine a spotlight on a region that is “currently void of tourists.”
“These communities need our help, so let’s get away from our home offices for a bit, maybe tackle a personal fitness challenge at the same time, and do what we can to make a difference,” says Poon Tip.
Through donations, the Challenge has already reached half-way to its next milestone: $50,000.
Planeterra’s program and communications manager Alanna Wallace says a series of unique content and stories online highlighting community tourism, including interviews with travellers who have summited Everest and community tourism leaders, as well as cooking demonstrations, is being prepared for Challenge week.
“Anyone who loves travel is going to want to get involved,” she says.
The Planeterra Trek Challenge will be supported across Planeterra’s social media channels and agents can learn more about the campaign and how to sell trips to Everest Base Camp via the Agents of Change Facebook group. Throughout September, Planeterra will be posting videos, blogs, webinars with special guests, and other information about their work in the region, as well as tips for trekking in Nepal and the unique and inspiring aspects about travel in South Asia.
Donations collected will provide kick-starter funding for communities around the world that need to invest in new health and safety measures, contribute to training for safe reopening, and help to ensure communities remain resilient and safe for years to come.
For more information, to donate, or to register a team, click HERE.