The Tourism industry comes
together for #PlaneterraTrek
From Sept. 21-27, 557 trekkers across over 30 different countries around the world came together for one common goal to virtually reach Everest Base Camp in support of community tourism.
The first annual Planeterra Trek Challenge saw participants walk the 65 kilometres or 85,000 steps it takes to climb to Everest Base Camp and raise over US$77,800 in the process — exceeding the target goal of US$75,000.
“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’s 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.”
Planeterra’s network of 85 community projects around the world was left without any source of income when global travel was suspended as a result of the current pandemic.
The money raised will go to provide funding for communities 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.
The trek saw a strong showing from the Canadian travel industry, with TTAND recognized as the overall global winners with the most steps at 514,646. Meanwhile The Z Team, led by TPI’s CEO Zeina Gedeon, had the most members (49) and raised US$7,050. Planeterra’s founder, Bruce Poon Tip, also matched donations up to $25,000.
Baxter Media, a.k.a. the Baxter Media Trekkies, had a great time participating in the challenge…
