Twelve US travel associations have joined charity Tourism Cares to call for donations to the Destination Disaster Recovery Fund in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
The fund supports the three regions most affected – the Caribbean, the Texas Gulf Coast and the hardest hit parts of Florida and the Florida Keys.
It is focusing on the recovery of tourism sites and communities; encouraging industry talent and influence and partnering with local leaders such as the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and the Texas Travel Industry Association.
The fund will be tailored to local needs, including restoring vulnerable tourism sites and attractions.
US Travel Association president and CEO Roger Dow said: “This is a time for the entire industry to come together and help the recovery of these destinations and the tourism communities they support.”
Tourism Cares CEO Mike Rea added: “The power of giving and the courage of communities can be greater than the disaster itself.
“Tourism is going to play a major role in restoring the places we love, as well as livelihoods and purpose once basic needs are met.
“The recovery phase is long, hard and usually underfunded – together we can change that to truly have destinations build back better.”