At the onset of its 2022/2023 Antarctica season, Hurtigruten Expeditions pledged to donate 100% of the proceeds from its Camping in Antarctica (An Amundsen Night) experience to its non-profit arm, Hurtigruten Foundation.
The campaign raised €371,482, enabling a record number of guests to give back to the environments at the heart of their itinerary.
"Travellers want to exercise personal responsibility for the planet through activities with real-world effects, such as beach clean-ups and citizen science projects," said Henrik Lund, managing director of Hurtigruten Foundation.
"We’re developing new ways for guests to meaningfully participate in our Foundation’s fight to preserve the nature, wildlife, and communities in which we operate."
The foundation focused on projects that protect and preserve local communities, such as summer camps in Greenland, the Cordova Chamber of Commerce’s regenerative tourism initiative and a watch group which teaches children in the Falkland Islands about conservation.
Grant recipient Oxen Expedition Engagement Network, which supports local perspectives and businesses in the Arctic, is working with Hurtigruten Expeditions on community tourism development.
"Funding for projects such as Oxen create more opportunities for our travellers to connect with locals during their voyage," explained Lund.
The organisation’s 2023 foundation grants and guest participation will continue to focus on projects supporting scientific research and local communities.
Following review of 82 applications, recipients include 14 projects which align with the foundation’s mission to fight climate change, strengthen local communities, and combat unsustainable mass tourism.
This year’s announcement marks a milestone as the foundation distributes more than one million NOK, the largest sum ever distributed in a single round, the result of a new fundraising campaign.
