During my trip to Nepal last spring, I had the amazing chance to trek along Gavin, who is not only an experienced climber, but also an innovative entrepreneur and incredible storyteller. He kindly accepted our invitation and he will be visiting the university this month to give an inspirational speech to our second year tourism and events students about the challenges behind running a social enterprise in tourism.
Travelling around the world and meeting interesting people contributed to the ethos behind the travel company Gavin established in the ‘90s – Adventure Alternative (http://www.adventurealternative.com/)
After his experience of teaching in slum schools in Kenya and working ad hoc for a variety of aid agencies, he also set up his own charity called Moving Mountains (http://www.movingmountainstrust.org), using funds raised from his mountain climbs to put children through school and fund some big projects like hydro electric power plants in the Himalayas and building clinics in Nairobi slums. The charity became registered in 2001 and is now a large concern with a number of related NGOs and a large staff managing multiple developmental aims. There is a big emphasis on empowerment and equality, and a high level of proper governance.
The company’s UK office is based in Northern Ireland, the place where management advice is provided with a focus on sound ethical business practices. The organisation has also invested in, and set up, various locally based tourism companies around the world in countries such as Kenya, Nepal, Tanzania, Borneo, Russia and Morocco.
Last week at the WTM London at the World Responsible Tourism Awards, Moving Mountains and Adventure Alternative were awarded the Gold Award for ‘Best for Poverty Reduction’ (http://www.responsibletravel.com/awards/categories/economic.htm). This is the second time they have won a World Responsible Tourism Award, with Gavin winning ‘Best Personal Contribution’ in 2009.
The company is also organising a number of educational trips for students in order to raise funds for Moving Mountains projects and provide revenue and support for local communities. This fundraising trips are a big part of the company ethos.
A trip to explore social enterprise in Kenya is held next year in January and June: http://www.adventurealternative.com/trips/view/149/exploring_social_enterprise_kenya