Planeterra Celebrates 20 Years Of Uplifting Communities Through Travel

Planeterra, the world's leading non-profit dedicated to uplifting communities through travel, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Since its inception in 2003, Planeterra has been committed to using tourism as a force for good. Over those years it has invested millions of dollars in community tourism enterprises that protect cultural heritage and natural resources. Now, as part of the year-long celebration, the non-profit has launched a campaign to raise funds in support of the next 20 years of impact.

The campaign, aimed at raising $500,000, kicked off last month with overwhelming support from the passionate staff at G Adventures who took the lead as the first group committing to raise $20,000 in support of Planeterra. They achieved their goal in less than a week and went on to raise $100,000, demonstrating their unwavering support for Planeterra's mission.

"Planeterra's 20th anniversary is a testament to the incredible impact we have made in uplifting communities worldwide through tourism," said president Jamie Sweeting. "We are grateful for the support we have received over the years. It is fitting that the staff at G Adventures were the first contributors to our campaign. They have been supporters of our mission from the very beginning, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past two decades and creating lasting change worldwide."

Funds raised through the campaign will be directed towards supporting Planeterra's global initiatives, including the growth of the Global Community Tourism Network, investments in community tourism enterprise development, and efforts to address climate and biodiversity crises. Planeterra says it aims to build on its achievements and expand its reach to make an even greater positive impact on communities and the environment.

Tricia Schers, Director of Partnerships and Development at Planeterra, expressed her excitement about the campaign, saying:

"This campaign represents a significant milestone for Planeterra. It allows us to strengthen our commitment to communities worldwide and support sustainable tourism initiatives that generate lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits. We invite individuals and organizations who share our vision to join us in supporting the next 20 years of transformative change."

By investing in community tourism enterprises and supporting community-led projects, Planeterra has created opportunities for individuals to support their own livelihoods while also protecting their cultural heritage and natural resources.

"This anniversary is not only a celebration but also a reminder of the incredible potential of community tourism. Together, we can shape a better future for communities and travelers alike," said Sweeting.

The 20th-anniversary celebration will culminate in the first-ever World Community Tourism Summit, scheduled to take place on September 27 in Peru-the birthplace of Planeterra's inaugural community tourism enterprise. The summit will gather tourism industry leaders, media professionals, passionate travellers, and innovative thinkers to experience the transformative power of community tourism firsthand.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact Planeterra at info@planeterra.org or visit the Planeterra website.

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