Where your donations go
Organisations helping with the relief effort in Asia must demonstrate how donations are being spent in order to secure ongoing support, say industry experts.
A clear message from this week’s “Tourism after the Tsunami” event was that holidaymakers that have donated money through operators, agents and charities are not being told where their money is being spent.
TravelMole is hoping to amend this by bringing its readers the latest news on the progress of two projects that are being set up to help rebuild the lives and businesses of people affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami.
One of the organisations is the Travel Foundation, which has today announced its intention to set up a dedicated appeal for Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the TravelMole event, the charity’s Sue Hurdle said it will be raising money through existing channels – donations from travel companies and their customers, and would also be canvassing travel companies and the government to match donations from the public.
The Travel Foundation is working with AITO and local partners to identify a suitable project in Sri Lanka and will continue to bring news via TravelMole on the progress of the project. For more details go to www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk.
In a statement Sue Hurdle said: “The fundamental principle of the Travel Foundation approach is that we always work together with local people, industry, voluntary groups and government, so that the stakeholders decide what the priorities should be and together, we discuss how to make a difference.
“This means money raised will really be directed wisely and make the most impact. We aim to develop sustainable trade rather than aid and ensure local people have their say in that process.”
The second organisation is Travel Aid 50, set up by Quest Travel managing director Dave Simmons, who was on the panel at this week’s “Tourism after the Tsunami” FastConference. Travel Aid 50 is supported by 40 travel companies, which donate 50 pence per booking taken in January to the charity. It also welcomes donations from travel companies, and was the chosen charity for the TravelMole FastConference.
The Travel Aid 50 money is spent on projects identified by PATA that aim to redevelop infrastructure, especially schools, in tourism destinations affected by the tsunami. For more information go to www.travelaid50.co.uk.
Report by Ginny McGrath
Ginny McGrath
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