Intrepid Travel has launched a campaign to raise funds and boost awareness about porters’ rights in destinations across the globe.
The tour operator aims to raise AU$175,000 (£97,000) with its Step Up For Porters Challenge – a virtual climbing challenge run by its not-for-profit The Intrepid Foundation.
The campaign highlights the role that porters play during many Intrepid trips and will raise funds for organisations that ensure porters have the equipment, food, wages and bag weights they need for a safe trek.
Participants in the challenge are asked to tackle virtual treks from June 1-30, such as Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro or Inca Trail using the Healthwise app to track their steps.
The £14 entry fee will go the Porters’ Collective, which supports porters in Kilimanjaro, Kathmandu and Peru.
Five participants will win an Intrepid trip.
James Thornton, chief executive of Intrepid Travel, said: “Porters are the heart and soul of our trekking trips and are immensely valued by our customers and staff.
“While we have strict guidelines on the treatment of porters, we believe more can be done to improve their conditions across the industry.
“We’re asking everyone, everywhere to Step Up for Porters and make a difference.”
The Intrepid Foundation has also commissioned independent research that aims to shed light on the state of porter welfare around the world.
The results are expected in June, and aim to inspire the tourism industry to provide porters with better working conditions.
Robyn Nixon, general manager of The Intrepid Foundation, added: “Anyone who’s done a trek understands the importance of porters and the amazing work they do. We want to help people get fit and do good for porters.”
Visit stepup.travel for more information and to register for the challenge.
Pictured: The Inca Trail in Peru.