Charity Tourism Concern has launched a ‘100 Appeal’ to help it fight for financial survival.
Last week the charity revealed it may close before Christmas unless it receives £40,000 in emergency funding.
Director Tricia Barnett said three of the responsible tourism charity’s five staff were placed on a 30-day consultation on October 10.
The charity has encountered funding difficulties during the current financial crisis, and is appealing for 100 companies to donate £1,000 each so it can continue its work into 2010. The appeal is part of a longer-term strategy to develop a broader funding base.
Travel companies that take part can also extend the appeal to customers or staff – asking them to make voluntary donations of £1 or £10 to support the charity.
The Margaret Hayman Trust has already pledged £10,000 a year for three years to support the call for core funds.
Barnett said: “Our core work supports people, particularly in the developing world, whose human rights have been severely impacted by tourism developments.
“Often they live in fear of reprisals if they speak out about their land or water resources being snatched in the name of a tourism development. Other times they simply need an outside person to give them advice and guidance about how best to manage a difficult situation, such as poor working conditions.
“They often have no other recourse to get their problems heard and supported except through us.”
“Often we find that the wider travel industry isn’t even aware of many of the issues we encounter. We are keen to work with the industry to raise awareness and galvanise positive change.”
The 100 Appeal is already supported by several leading travel companies including Sunvil, Expert Africa and BGB.
Travel companies can donate £1,000 by:
- Sending a cheque to Tourism Concern c/o Tricia Barnett, 100 Appeal
- Donating online at justgiving.com/tourismconcern/donate/
- Credit/debit card payments on 020 7133 3800
Find out more on Travel Weekly’s Tourism Concern: how you can help page, and tweet your support using the hashtag #savetourismconcern