A travel industry fundraising event to support Morocco’s earthquake recovery managed to raise nearly £10,000, organisers have announced.
Author and journalist Juliet Kinsman teamed up with The Conscious Travel Foundation to host talks and networking at the Montcalm Marble Arch in London on Wednesday, September 13.
Ticket sales generated around £5,000 within the first 24 hours, with the event ultimately going on to double that figure.
More: ‘We have to rebuild’: industry figures describe Morocco earthquake experiences
Kinsman said: “Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible to host a mini conference and fundraiser for Morocco in just a few days.”
The afternoon section of the event was open to luxury agents who had originally been planning to attend the Pure conference in Marrakech, before it was cancelled because of the deadly earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains on Friday, September 8.
Anyone in the travel industry was welcome to attend the evening session in the Montcalm, with all tickets priced at £25.
The money is being sent to the Intrepid Foundation, which is directing funds to the High Atlas Foundation and Education For All after price-matching all donations.
Topics at the fundraiser included how to respond to a crisis and why it is vital for travel to Morocco to continue.
PC Agency founder and chief executive Paul Charles, who was among the speakers, said: “As Morocco’s economy is dependent on its thriving tourism industry, it’s incredibly important for visitors to be aware that travel to the destination is still safe and very possible.
“Foreign Office travel advice has not been changed. Despite this tragedy, Morocco will still offer as vibrant and exciting an experience as always, so communication of accurate and up to date information is key to ensuring the tourism industry continues to boom.”
The fundraiser’s organisers will be sharing guidelines on how the travel industry can respond to future crises.
Photo: Olivia Cryer and Juliet Kinsman at the fundraiser