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A project that aims to use tourism to combat poverty and promote peace in Nepal has been announced as the winner of the 2021 World Leisure International Innovation Prize.

Garima Voyage Travel and Tours, and its Trekking Routes in Nepal: Path for a Sustainable Development Model project, which since 2018 has been developing new trekking routes in Nepal’s Sindhupalchowk district, north of Kathmandu,

More than a tourism operator, Garima Voyage is a social organisation that promotes sustainable business opportunities to local communities and territories.

Founded by Federica Riccadonna, Italian Conflict Researcher and Mediator, who reached Nepal in 2011 and Rabindra Aryal, ex-Maoist combatant, with great experience and deep knowledge of Nepal for his involvement in the civil war, the business is based on their shared commitment to find solutions to fight poverty supporting peace.

Provide sources of economic, social and cultural development for rural and mountainous communities in the district through sustainable trekking, Garima Voyage has created sustainable tourism model based on activities including climbing, cycling, paragliding and agrotourism

Supporting the local community and protecting traditions, the World Leisure Prize recognises Garima Voyage for revitalising the local microeconomy.

The project has also seen Garima Voyage collaborate with the University of Trento in Italy - through workshops, student exchanges, internships and research - to develop its sustainable model.

World Leisure’s Prize Committee also awarded Highly Commended status to Good Boost, United Kingdom - a social enterprise delivering technology to support older adults and people with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, like arthritis and back pain, take part in inclusive and accessible exercise sessions.

The Awards were announced during the 5th World Leisure Expo and Forum and was hosted by Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) in the Netherlands.

The ceremony was attended by Federica Riccadonna, representative of the winning project; Dr. Cristina Ortega Nuere, WLO Chief Operating Officer; Yvonne Klerks, WLO Treasurer; Dr. Marisa P. de Brito, representative from BUas and Master Ceremony; Roland Kleve, BUas Dean; Dr. Liliya Terzieva, Senior lecturer and researcher as well as the Coordinator of the Master in Imagineering Program at BUas; and Dr. Marcel Bastiaansen, BUas lecturer and researcher, co-founder and director of BUas’ Experience Lab, and member of the WLO Board of Directors.

The winner of this edition of the World Leisure Innovation Prize received a bronze sculpture by luthier and artist Arturo Andrade, and a framed certificate.

The World Leisure International Innovation Prize seeks to recognise organisations that have implemented creative solutions which foster local, national, or international leisure opportunities for the benefit and development of individuals and communities.

World Leisure defines leisure in its broadest sense including play, recreation, the arts and culture, sports, festivals and celebrations, health and fitness, or travel and tourism.

It encompasses indoor or outdoor programs, services, and amenities. The major component that sets the World Leisure International Innovation Prize apart from the myriad of similar awards given is that this Prize focuses on the social, cultural and economic aspects of leisure.

Images: Garima Voyage Travel and Tours in Nepal (top) and World Leisure International Innovation Prize winner Federica Riccadonna (second from left) receives the Award from Dr Marie Young, Chair of the World Leisure Innovation Prize Committee (below).

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