Six travel advisors from Australia and New Zealand recently travelled to Alaska for an Adventure World famil. The trip was part of Adventure World’s Make Travel Matter offering which showcases how travel can be used for good.
Travel with Purpose: Making a Positive Impact
Make Travel Matter prioritises reducing tourism’s negative effects while maximising its benefits. The advisors experienced authentic, ethical, and sustainable adventures which have been set up to celebrate and conserve heritage and culture, benefit local communities, protect wildlife and marine life, and safeguard the environment.
Building for the Future at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
A trip highlight was volunteering at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). The advisors actively participated in constructing a fence to keep visitors safe from the wood bison enclosure, which is particularly important for protecting vulnerable calves.
The AWCC, a non-profit sanctuary, dedicates itself to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and exceptional animal care. They provide permanent homes for orphaned and injured animals, offering over 200 acres of spacious habitats where residents can exhibit natural behaviors and serve as educational ambassadors for their species.
Wood Bison Reintroduction: A Collaborative Effort
The AWCC partners with the US Forest Service and leases an additional 110 acres dedicated solely to wood bison. Since 2003, they have participated in a joint program with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to reintroduce this keystone herbivore, North America’s largest land mammal, back into Alaska after a century-long absence. In 2015, 130 wood bison were successfully released into western Alaska.
“This famil provided invaluable insights into responsible travel practices and insights into Adventure World’s core ethos to Travel with Purpose,” said Caryn Young, general manager for Adventure World. “We’re thrilled to equip our travel advisors with the knowledge and resources to create unforgettable experiences for their clients that truly benefit destinations and wildlife.”
