Responsible Tourism News
Carbon offset funds allocated to school solar project, Ladakh
11 October 2009All 2009 Mountain Kingdoms holidays which include flights will be carbon offset through TICOS - the Tourism Industry Carbon Offset Service. We have just received confirmation that our carbon offset funds will be committed to a renewable energy project at a school in Ladakh, India which we have been supporting for many years.
The first phase of the project at the Druk White Lotus School near Leh is underway with the installation of an island grid powered by 54 solar panels being mounted on school buildings. The project aims to provide a fully renewable energy supply for the school, which when complete will accommodate 750 students, including 200 residential students from remote mountain villages.
Machu Picchu Luxury Lodges win eco award
11 October 2009Mountain Kingdoms Peruvian partner has won a prestigious eco award for their Luxury Lodges situated along an ancient pre-Inca trade route to Machu Picchu.
The international ‘To Do Contest for Socially Responsible Tourism’ was awarded for their involvement of local communities and the use of environmentally sound practices in developing and running the lodges.
LIFELONG LEARNING FOR TREK STAFF
14 May 2008The first of the English language courses for Nepalese trekking staff has successfully been completed in Nepal. 19 porters, assistant guides and cooks finished the 45 day intensive course and they hope that their studies will improve their chances in future to lead treks such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit.
The English language courses have been inititated by MK to improve the career prospects of trekking staff either to become future trek leaders or work as administrators. Courses will take place in January/February each year.
MARATHON EFFORT
14 May 2008Many congratulations to our Responsible Tourism Manager, Niki Morgan, who ran the Forest of Dean half marathon in April raising the impressive sum of £400 for the New Life Centre Orphanage in Nepal. The centre is run by a former HK client and they are aiming to raise £90,000 for a new-purpose built residential centre.
MK WINS RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARD
16 January 2008Representatives from Mountain Kingdoms were delighted to be presented with the AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) 2007 Responsible Tourism award yesterday. The prestigious award, presented at the annual AITO media day, recognises our ongoing efforts to ensure that Responsible Tourism remains at the very core of everything we do as a tour operator.
Amongst other activities Himalayan Kingdoms supports Northpoint school, Kathmandu and has recently developed a modular English course for trekking staff in Nepal. Have a look at our Responsible Tourism page for more on our various projects and activities, or
a summary of our Responsible Tourism initiatives
Responsible Tourism Holidays Responsible Tourism Projects