Responsible Travel operators raise over half a million for Nepal
Responsible Travel member tour operators have raised more than £500,000 for various aid, health and infrastructure projects to help Nepal recover from April’s devastating earthquake.
Adventure operator Exodus, a long-time member of Responsible Travel, has raised over £200,000 so far.
Working with High Altitude Welfare Workers Association, it has been focussing on ensuring aid is reaching remote villages which may have otherwise been overlooked by other relief efforts.
Intrepid has raised over AUD$400,000 and the company has launched its own ‘Namaste Nepal’ campaign via their charity, the Intrepid Foundation, with plans to raise over AUD$1 million through trip bookings and donations by the end of the next trekking season.
Uncover the World’s very personal appeal for help to repair its local team’s damaged homes and possessions has reached almost £5,000 and Kathmandu-based Social Tours Nepal has raised over US$20,000 via their charity, the Karma Foundation, as well as collecting an estimated US$30,000 of supplies to distribute to those in need of immediate aid.
Nepali member Manakamana Treks and Expeditions has launched a new volunteering trip with the aim to provide both physical and financial support to rebuild homes and schools in Kakithok Village, where they were one of the first aid teams to arrive.
Commenting on the role the tourism industry has to play in Nepal’s recovery; managing director of Responsible Travel Justin Francis said: "With so many Nepali’s dependent on tourism for everyday income, we must now be careful that another tragedy doesn’t follow swiftly on the heels of the first.
"Many small, local tourism businesses will not have enough reserves to weather an extended period of no income, and the dramatic decline in tourism will spell disaster all over again for the local people and families dependent on them.
"It becomes vitally important that tourists don’t abandon Nepal and that they and external tour operators continue to support the country. We are extremely proud to be working with both international and local tour operators with such a strong commitment to the communities in which they work."
To support or donate to appeals run or supported by Responsible Travel members go to www.responsibletravel.com/copy/nepal-earthquake-appeal
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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