Global Himalayan Expedition bags World Tourism Award
The team of students and professionals that brought solar power to the village of Seyul International School of Zug and Luzern
Global Himalayan Expedition was honoured in recognition of their commitment toward sustainable development of remote communities situated at an average altitude of 12,000 feet through impact tourism, providing access to clean energy, digital education and livelihood creation opportunities for over 30,500 people across 71 off-grid Himalayan villages to date.The award was accepted by Paras Loomba, Founder & CEO, GHE.
The award was presented on November 5, 2018, the opening day of WTM London (World Travel Market) at the Excel London.
For the last five years, GHE has been instrumental in electrifying 55 remote off-grid Himalayan villages with installation of over 240 Solar micro grids. These villages are located at an average altitude of 12000 ft, above sea level, and at a trek of 3-4 days from nearest motorable road. An engineer by profession, Paras Loomba, merge technology and passion with an approach to create social technological innovations that are efficient and self- sustainable.
Paras Loomba with villagers
The World Tourism Awards are organized annually by The Bradford Group on behalf of the co-sponsors Corinthia Hotels, The New York Times, United Airlines and Reed Travel Exhibitions. The award is celebrating its 21st Anniversary this year.
Commenced in 1997, the World Tourism Awards were established to recognize individuals, companies, organizations, destinations and attractions for outstanding initiatives related to the travel and tourism industry, and in fostering sustainable tourism and developing programs that give back to local communities.
Skitmang Phu monastery was electrified by GHE on 17 October 2018 by a group of 7 Global women
“Since the World Tourism Awards’ inception 21 years ago, the Awards have recognized many truly outstanding travel industry leaders, travel organizations and foundations, for their extraordinary efforts to ‘give back’ to local communities through sustainable tourism, wildlife conservation and environmental preservation,” said Karen Hoffman, President of the Bradford Group, in her welcome note.