HX Hurtigruten Expeditions has enhanced its charitable initiatives through the HX Foundation to better support the communities its ships visit.
- The foundation has been instrumental in backing over 200 projects across 25 countries, contributing more than €1.27 million since 2015.
- In its latest phase, the foundation is concentrating on coastal communities where HX operates, such as the Arctic, Alaska, and the Galapagos Islands.
- Coastal communities and charities are encouraged to apply for grant support, with significant funding accessible for projects in need.
- With a record-breaking grant distribution, the foundation underscores its commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions has formally introduced its charitable arm, the HX Foundation, aiming to intensify support for the communities situated along its expedition routes. This initiative builds on the success of the previously established Hurtigruten Foundation, which has already demonstrated significant impact by backing over 200 projects across 25 countries and distributing €1.27 million since its inception in 2015.
The new phase accentuates a sharpened focus on coastal communities, such as those in the Arctic, Alaska, the UK, the Galapagos Islands, and Antarctica, where HX’s expedition ships often sail. The foundation is actively calling upon these communities and their associated charities to apply for a new round of grant support, setting a November 1 deadline for applications.
The fund provides immediate assistance by enabling HX ships to donate up to €1,000 directly to local initiatives in urgent need. This effort is part of the foundation’s second grant cycle for 2024, where ‘significant funding’ is reportedly set aside for innovative projects that align with its mission.
Such actions reflect the foundation’s dedication to the 250-plus destinations explored worldwide, with a continuous emphasis on both wildlife preservation and sustainable tourism initiatives. The most recent grant cycle recorded a remarkable sum, distributing over €370,000 to projects in various countries, including Canada, Ecuador, and the Philippines.
Henrik Lund, the managing director of the HX Foundation, asserted, “We are delighted to formally introduce the HX Foundation. This new phase allows us to sharpen our focus on the coastal communities HX visits, ensuring that we better support their unique needs while continuing to battle issues like plastic waste and wildlife conservation.”
The HX Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to positively impact the destinations visited by its ships, prioritising both community support and environmental responsibility.
