Tour Operators Launch Fundraising Efforts to Support Nepal Crisis

This week, deadly flooding in Nepal and Tibet left more than 360 people and more than 1,500 missing across the Himalayan region, including 63 tourists from the U.S. and 25 from Canada, according to Al Jazeera.

In response to the disaster, Intrepid Travel and Explore Worldwide have both announced fundraising efforts to support ongoing emergency support in the region.

Intrepid has launched an emergency appeal through the Intrepid Foundation, its non-profit arm, to raise funds for impacted communities. The fundraiser is in partnership with the Australian Red Cross, which is currently providing on-the-ground relief services. Money raised will go toward emergency shelter support, water sanitation and hygiene, first aid, and health services.

The tour operator has pledged to match all funds raised up to $100,000 (AUD). At the time of writing, Intrepid has raised over $65,000 (AUD) — approximately $47,000 in USD.

Explore Worldwide, another small group tour operator, has launched a Himalaya emergency appeal through its non-profit, the Explore Foundation. The foundation is working with the British Red Cross Emergency Appeal, and all money raised will go directly to the Red Cross to support immediate aid efforts, such as rescue teams in Nepal, medical supplies, and clean drinking water.

Explore will match all donations up to £5000. Over 100 people have donated to the fundraiser so far, raising over £4,000 for the cause (approximately $5,500 USD).

“What has transpired in Nepal-China border over the past few days is nothing short of an absolute tragedy for the impacted communities there. Anyone who has been knows how special Nepal and its people are,” said Katy Rockett, regional director of North America at Explore Worldwide.

Both Intrepid and Explore operate tours in Nepal. Intrepid runs 26 itineraries in the country, and has a local team of 463 people. Explore has 10 itineraries that visit Nepal. Representatives from the companies have confirmed with Travel Market Report that neither had team members or travelers affected by the disaster

“The scale of this disaster is devastating,” said Yalamber Rai, general manager, Nepal, Intrepid Travel. “Communities across the region are grieving the loss of loved ones while also facing significant challenges in the weeks and months ahead. Support will be critical to recovery efforts, and we are encouraging anyone who is able to donate to the appeal or help spread the word. Together, we can help ensure affected communities receive the support they need during this incredibly difficult time.”