New projects to support sustainable tourism around the world are invited to apply for funding via the DER Touristik Foundation, as part of a new drive to raise awareness of the Foundation and its goals.
A new website has been launched this week to showcase the work of the DER Touristik Foundation, which highlights current projects along with a “take action” section, so new projects can be submitted for consideration in the next funding review.
The Foundation was set up by DER Touristik, parent company of Kuoni, in 2014 and 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 and announced it will take an active role supporting its current and future activities.
An example of a recent project which has recently secured funding as part of the Foundation’s conservation mission 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.
Mangroves protect coasts and shores, prevent erosion, filter pollutants and maintain water quality. They are also tremendous carbon sinkers. Mangrove forests absorb more than twice as much carbon dioxide as tropical rainforest
The DER Touristik Foundation supports the project partner Wildlife and Ocean Resource Conservation (WORC) with protecting and preserving these valuable ecosystems – for both the inhabitants and travel guests – by restoring mangrove forests in the Koggala lagoon.
Kuoni UK is also embracing projects supported by the Foundation, such as 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, CEO 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.
Francis 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.”
The DER Touristik Foundation website can be found here https://www.dertouristik-foundation.com/
To submit your project application, follow this link.
This is a press release originally published by KUONI.
