A start-up travel agency is working with charity Just a Drop as it seeks to develop tours for clients to help build 20 water tanks by 2020.
YourTravel was established just over a year ago by two former Dial-A-Flight sales executives, John Stephenson and Sam Cassem. It specialises in luxury leisure and corporate travel.
Executive director Cassem said: “One of the things we said when we started the agency was that we wanted to help a charity – it’s really important to us.
“It’s early days, but the ‘giving back tour’ is very exciting.
“There are volunteer schemes out there, but nothing like this.
“We have been in talks with Just a Drop and have put together an itinerary. We’d like to take parties of 10 out to projects three to four times a year.”
The first seven-day itinerary is scheduled to run to Kenya next year, accompanied by managing director John Stephenson.
Cassem estimated that the ‘working’ holiday would cost £1,500 a person. The agency would not make any margin, with the price covering the cost of flights, accommodation, transfers and guides.
Holidaymakers would spend time with locals in the destination where the water tank is being built and at least one day helping to build the tank. Their names would subsequently feature on a plaque.
Cassem said clients approached for feedback had backed the idea.
“A lot of people are looking for this type of experience,” he said. “And we hope to stagger payments so it would be open to everyone.”
The average booking spend is £7,500 at YourTravel, which donates £1 per booking to water‑aid charity Just a Drop.
Just a Drop head of fundraising and communications Brendan Hanlon said: “We are thrilled with the support of YourTravel.”