Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent has pledged AU$100,000 (£53,000) to support bushfire relief efforts in Australia.
The donation comes from the operator’s global network of offices and its philanthropic arm, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP).
The funds will help Australian charities leading the humanitarian and wildlife relief efforts, including the Red Cross and RSPCA.
A&K’s Australian-based staff are being encouraged to use volunteer Community Service days to provide support where possible.
All international airports are operating as normal and Tourism Australia’s travel alerts page provides updates on popular international destinations.
Areas that have not been affected by fires include Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and Whitsundays, the Hunter Valley and North Coast of New South Wales, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island, and Western Australia’s Coral Coast.
Geoffrey Kent, founder and co-chairman, said: “We’re deeply saddened by the situation in Australia. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the Australian communities who have been impacted.
“Tourism is a key industry for Australia, and at present many of the main tourist areas remain unaffected. It’s important not to abandon this incredible country in its time of need.”
Sujata Raman, regional managing director for Abercrombie & Kent Australia/Asia Pacific, added: “At this difficult time, we have been heartened by the tremendous response of the local and global community in providing support to affected families and communities. Our inbound travel team have been working around the clock to ensure the many Abercrombie & Kent guests visiting Australia have been kept safe and comfortable.”