Planeterra, the charity partner of G Adventures and G Touring, is inviting travel industry workers to take part in the challenge later this month.

Participating teams will walk the 65 kilometres or 85,000 steps to the base camp from 21-27 September, reaching their virtual destination on World Tourism Day (27 September).

G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip, who has already put together his own team for the challenge, has pledged to match donations from participating teams up to $25,000 Canadian dollars (around £14,400).

“The Planeterra Trek Challenge is an opportunity for us to come together virtually and create a sense of connection at a time when people are feeling distanced, not just from travel but from other countries and cultures,” explained Poon Tip.

“We also want to spotlight this iconic region for travel that is currently void of tourists.

“These communities need our help, so let’s get away from our home offices for a bit, maybe tackle a personal fitness challenge at the same time, and do what we can to make a difference.”

Money raised from the virtual trek will provide “kickstarter” funding to communities to help pay for health and safety measures allowing them to reopen safely to tourists.

Register to take part in the Planeterra Trek Challenge