International Mountain Explorers Connection
Cause Area
- Advocacy & Human Rights
- Education & Literacy
- Environment
- International
- Sports & Recreation
Location
PO Box 3665Boulder, CO 80301 United StatesOrganization Information
Mission Statement
The International Mountain Explorers Connection was founded in 1996 in Boulder, Colorado to promote responsible and sustainable connections between travelers and the people of developing mountain regions of the world. IMEC provides and coordinates education, assistance, and cross-cultural experiences for members, volunteers, trekkers, and local communities.
Description
According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), Nepal and Tanzania are among the 10 poorest countries in the world, yet of the least developed countries are in the top three in terms of tourism revenue. The IMEC, through volunteer placement, homestays, tourist education, and "off the beaten path" trips is actively following the WTO Sustainable Tourism Eliminating Poverty (STEP) program to promote responsible, sustainable tourism that facilitates benefits from tourism "trickling down" to all members of the local population.