A multi-euro coronavirus relief effort to support local communities in holiday destinations worldwide has been introduced by the Tui Care Foundation.
The €500,000 ‘100 Helping Hands’ launch initiative supports 100 local aid organisations working on the ground to reduce the impact of the pandemic.
It will include assistance with hygiene training, home schooling and childcare as well as the distribution of emergency food parcels and healthcare items, such as masks, for disadvantaged families.
The programme has been made possible by donations from holidaymakers and employees worldwide.
More Tui Care Foundation initiatives in the group’s corona relief programme will follow in the coming weeks.
A spokesperson said: “The corona crisis has brought unprecedented challenges to communities all around the world.
“The travel and tourism sector has been particularly affected by the impact of the pandemic and it’s been especially difficult for the people whose livelihoods depend on tourism.
“International travel restrictions have meant that the pandemic has been particularly hard for people whose livelihoods depend on tourism.
“In many countries, existing state aid and support systems have been overwhelmed by the impact of the pandemic and can longer provide a cushion against social hardship.
“Business communities are also facing crisis and are unable to offer support. So, it’s more important than ever to help strengthen social commitment to overcome the corona crisis and the role of NGOs is crucial to this.
“On the ground, they know the needs of the local communities and how they can be supported most effectively.”