What:
Many organizations have mobilized to raise relief funds in response to the 7.9 earthquake that struck Nepal, but few have announced plans for long-term rebuilding. AdventureWeek Rebound Nepal, organized by Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and Outdoor Industry Association, will bring tourism partners and media together to promote the destination to the international community.
Why It Matters:
According to ATTA president Shannon Stowell, the association has never received such a strong response after a natural disaster — most likely due to the number of ATTA members that are based, or have operations, in Nepal (70 to 100 members, Stowell said).
In 2014, the World Travel & Tourism Council reported that tourism in Nepal supplied more than 504,000 jobs in 2013, and the number was expected to grow.
Fast Facts:
- ATTA will not be making a profit from AdventureWeek Rebound Nepal.
- Participants will have to pay for their trip to Nepal. Ideal participants are Nepal trade suppliers and media.
- The itinerary will likely include touring of key sites that are open to tourism.
- ATTA is aiming to get 10-15 participants.
- Those interested in attending AdventureWeek Rebound Nepal can email [email protected].
- Details are still in the works, but the event will likely take place this summer.
What They Are Saying:
“It’s been crazy,” Stowell said. “There have been many disasters in our history but the Nepal earthquake had the strongest response of any. We have so many members based in Nepal or have operations in Nepal. Most have suppliers they have worked with for a long time so it has been devastating. We aren’t good at immediate national relief, so we were thinking ‘We put together AdventureWeeks that are so helpful to destinations — and strengthen and grow adventure travel products and markets — what if we did that in Nepal?’”
The Details
Adventure Travel Trade Associationwww.adventuretravel.biz
