Near the end of the article, I was surprised to read "In some countries, cash rewards and government jobs await those who ascend the highest peaks." Is this a thing in countries where mountaineering is an important source of tourism revenue, or just a reward for boosting national "prestige"?
There are countries that give great cash rewards for earning an olympic medal. This can help them bring pride and attention to the country. So as you suggest, I also think it is rather for boosting prestige