A non-profit organisation set up by Der Touristik – the parent company of Kuoni – has launched a website and is inviting sustainable tourism projects to apply for funding.
The Der Touristik Foundation website is part of a new drive to raise awareness of the organisation and its goals, which are central to the tourism group’s sustainability strategy.
Projects can apply for money in the “take action” section, for consideration in the next funding review.
Set up in 2014, the Foundation funds more than 80 projects in 26 countries. Earlier this year Kuoni, as part of Der Touristik UK, became a full member of the Foundation to take an active role supporting its activities.
One recent project which has recently secured funding from the Foundation is an initiative to preserve mangroves in Sri Lanka, a destination Kuoni UK is committed to supporting as the destination re-builds its tourism industry.
Kuoni UK is also supporting the Smiling Gecko farmhouse project in Cambodia and cookery classes at Know One, Teach One (KOTO) in Vietnam, which both aim to train disadvantaged young people in hospitality skills.
Kuoni customers can build stays and experiences at these projects into travel itineraries.
Francis Torrilla, chief executive of Der Touristik UK, has joined the board of the Foundation and, along with international colleagues, is looking to raise awareness within the wider travel industry and encourage organisations or individuals with new project ideas to come forward.
Torrilla said: “The Foundation is one of the centrepieces of our sustainability strategy as we reduce our footprint and promote tourism as a force for good.
“The scope of work supported by the Foundation has broadened and we’re looking to step up communications to our staff, business partners and the wider travel industry.”