As an industry executive, have you yearned to embark on an inspirational and fun experience with other…
As an industry executive, have you yearned to embark on an inspirational and fun experience with other industry professionals that will remain with you for the rest of your life, while at the same time, help save a child`s life?
Then the organisers of World Travel Market have the answer with its spectacular Peruvian walk on the ancient and historic Inca Trail to the `lost city` of Machu Picchu, taking place 30 April – 9 May 2004.
Fiona Jeffery, Group Exhibition Director of World Travel Market and the founder of `Just a Drop`, said: “We are looking for up to 60 people in the industry who want to bring a spirit of adventure and challenge into their lives as well as do some good for a worthwhile charity.
“Why not throw caution to the wind and get away from the stresses and strains of working in travel and tourism and commit to a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never regret.
“Nothing compares to walking the Inca Trail”, added Jeffery, who completed the trek three years ago and will be accompanying the group. “You are actually walking for five days but it is not classed as difficult, although you will need to get reasonably fit beforehand. This is a chance for all those deskbound executives to get out of their chairs and get healthy as well as raise money for a really good industry cause.
“There is plenty of time built into the trip to acclimatise to altitude and to explore Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire and the Sacred Valley and the archaeological heart of the Americas.
“The trek then takes you through lush cloud forest, green valleys and high passes with breathtaking views of snow-capped Andean peaks, with time to stop and discover the fascinating Inca temples and settlements along the way.”
The trip is being organised on behalf of `Just a Drop` by the Salisbury-based experienced adventure and charity walk specialist tour company Discover Adventure Ltd.
The cost to take part is a minimum £2,500. Walkers will be encouraged to raise as much as possible by contacting friends, colleagues, contacts, suppliers and customers. The cost includes flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and porters on the trail.
Organisers hope to bring participants together for a briefing in January 2004. Places will be offered on a first come first served basis and their application needs to be accompanied with a £250 non refundable deposit by no later than December.
Formed six years ago on behalf of the travel and tourism industry, `Just a Drop` has attracted many supporting companies, organisations and individuals, who raise money during World Travel Market, taking place this year at London ExCeL between Monday 10 November and Thursday 13 November, as well as year round.
The appeal, which now has an independent Board of Trustees, chaired by the international explorer Col. John Blashford Snell, founder of the youth movement, Operation Raleigh, has recently been recognised by the Charity Commission. The appeal supports and closely monitors a number of large and small water projects throughout the world.
Money raised for `Just a Drop` is used directly to provide clean water and sanitation programmes for children and their families where ever it is needed in the world. The appeal has helped build 105 new wells in Ethiopia, Cambodia, Malawi and Mozambique; improved a further 90 wells; constructed 2000 household sanitation platforms, and 14 double latrine blocks for schools and a health station; helped to fund a major health and sanitation education programme in southern Africa as well as assist the victims of Hurricane Mitch in Central South America and earthquakes in Turkey.
The launch of the `Just a Drop` Inca Trail Walk coincides with the introduction of a new `Just a Drop` website, which offers regularly updated information about the charity, its work and supporters.
“World Travel Market is committed to offer PR support to anyone who is raising money for `Just a Drop`” said Ms. Jeffery. “Many exhibitors and industry associations are now beginning to plan fund raising activities during World Travel Market week.
“This follows on from months of fund raising during the year and at World Travel Market including the Visit USA Committee Ball, Travel Trust Association Bluey Awards Dinner, TIME Golf Day, Tourism Society Dinner, ITT Presidents Dinner and the BITOA Gala Dinner.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
