Working together for responsible mountain tourism and a positive impact on people, communities and the environment.
Mountain tourism creates opportunities to connect people with some of the world’s most remarkable places. But behind every expedition are the people who make these experiences possible, the communities connected to mountain destinations and the natural environments that sustain them.
Porters are at the heart of mountain trekking. Their work makes expeditions possible, yet their working conditions, treatment and well-being can vary considerably. Responsible mountain tourism must recognize their essential contribution and ensure that the people who carry the loads and support these journeys are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
The Partner for Responsible Travel Program is an initiative of the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC), a US-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting an ethical mountain trekking culture through social, economic and environmental responsibility.
The Program brings together trekking companies and travel agents that share a commitment to responsible tourism and recognize the influence their business decisions have on people, places and the environments in which they operate.
Through partnership, voluntary participation, monitoring and information sharing, IMEC encourages responsible practices, supports continuous improvement and works with tourism businesses and local partners to make a meaningful difference.
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
Participation is entirely voluntary. Companies choose to engage with the Program and its activities as part of their commitment to responsible mountain tourism.
NOT A CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING SCHEME
IMEC does not regulate, license, certify or officially approve tourism companies. Participation in the Program does not constitute government approval, accreditation or endorsement.
PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The work places particular emphasis on the welfare and fair treatment of porters and mountain crew, while recognizing the wider responsibilities of tourism businesses towards local communities and mountain environments.
COLLABORATION AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
The Program encourages voluntary monitoring, information sharing, constructive feedback and ongoing engagement to support responsible business practices.
NO PARTNER FEES
There are no membership fees, application fees or participation fees charged to partner companies. Participation is not dependent on making a financial contribution to IMEC or KRTO.
Overview in 90 seconds
Discover the Partner for Responsible Travel Program with a an overview of our program in 90 seconds and see how IMEC works with tourism businesses to advance responsible mountain tourism.
Recognizing Our Program Partners
Companies participating in the Partner for Responsible Travel Program may display the relevant program partner mark on their websites and marketing materials to demonstrate their participation and commitment to responsible mountain tourism.
IMEC is aware of instances where companies have used its name or program partner marks without being current participants in the Program.
To confirm a company’s participation, please consult our Our Partners for Responsible Travel directory for the current listing, or contact us at [email protected].
Thank you!
Join Us in Making a Difference
Climbing companies and travel businesses that share IMEC’s commitment to responsible mountain tourism are welcome to enquire about participating in the Partner for Responsible Travel Program.
Participation is voluntary, and there are no application or participation fees. Through the Program, IMEC encourages collaboration, voluntary monitoring, information sharing and continuous improvement in practices that support porters and mountain crew, local communities and the environment.
Based on agreed program indicators and objective measurements, this voluntary program incorporates independent third-party monitoring to assess company practices in relation to the responsible treatment of porters. The findings provide an evidence-based understanding of working conditions and help identify opportunities for improvement through constructive feedback and ongoing engagement.
For more information or to enquire about participating, please contact us at [email protected].
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