Over 550 people on 62 teams joined to support community tourism around the world rebuild and recover post-COVID
The Planeterra Trek Challenge culminated on World Tourism Day last Sunday, and a celebration was in order as the non-profit raised over US$78,000 to help community tourism organizations worldwide who are suffering from a lack of travel as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenge was for individuals and teams to trek 85,000 steps, approximately the distance to Everest Base Camp, celebrating tourism to the region and also community tourism’s ability to reduce poverty and empower communities.
The virtual event featured a number of travel agent teams, as well as staff from travel brands G Adventures, TruTravels, Travelsphere and JustYou, and Planeterra founder Bruce Poon Tip created his own team, leading the fundraising efforts with over US$13,000 raised. Poon Tip also matched donations up to US$19,000.
A number of well-known bloggers also participated including Uncornered Market, Divergent Travellers, and Nomads Giving Back. Truly a global event, participants hailed from over 30 different counties, with many opting into taking on the step challenge associated with the event.
“What we witnessed is an incredible show of support from Planeterra’s global community, which grew over the weeks before, and during the Planeterra Trek Challenge,” says Planeterra President Jamie Sweeting. “Travellers love authentic experiences that give back to the communities they visit, and by raising these funds they demonstrated that they want our partners to be there when we’re all able to travel again.”
Participants hiked to raise awareness of the power of community tourism to change lives and uplift communities. Donations will provide kickstarter funding for communities worldwide that need to invest in new health and safety measures, provide training for safely reopening, and ensure communities remain resilient and safe for years to come.
ends
About Planeterra
Planeterra is committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. It is a non-profit organization created in 2003 by G Adventures’ founder, Bruce Poon Tip and was started with the purpose of connecting underserved communities to opportunities in the travel industry. Planeterra helps local organizations and communities use tourism as a catalyst to improve people’s lives, protect their natural environments, and celebrate their culture. For more information please visit www.planeterra.org