Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CASE STUDY
The Travel Foundation
Introduction
The Travel Foundation is an independent UK
char
ity that aims to help the outbound travel and tourism sector
manage its activities in a more sustainable man
n
er. The Foundation's focus is on protecting and enhancing
the environment and improving the well-being of destination communities, enriching the tourism experience
now and into the future. Founded in 2003, the Fou
n
dation has a full programme of activities, with projects
in 13 overseas destinations, as well as training tools, communication materials and other support to help the
travel industry to take effective action on all things green
Who benei ts from the Foundation's work?
On its website, the Travel Foundation lists the following as benefi ciar
i
es of its work:
•
Consumers - get higher quality and an enriched holiday experience,
a
s well as the reassurance that their
favourite destinations will be protected for generations to come;
•
Businesses - are better able to meet the needs of their customers, at the
s
ame time as protecting the
resources on which their future depends;
•
Destination communities - receive greater benefi t from tourism, with a boost to their local economy and
conservation of the natural environment, local traditions and culture;
•
Local and national governments have evidence to develop effective tourism
policies and support
destination communities and environments.
Projects sponsored by the Foundation
The Foundation has set up and funds projects in many of the most popular destinations for UK
h
olidaymakers.
Importantly, they are all countries and regions which receive a signifi cant or growing number of package
tourists, which means that in partnership with tour operators, their suppliers and local stakeh
o
lders, the
Foundation is able to infl uence involved parties and create more sustainable tourism. Curren
t
projects
include work in Tobago and Mexico, plus the development of practical tools to guide best practice in the
industry. Previous projects have focused on developments in the Gambia and Cyprus. The Foundati
o
n also
works in partnership with the industry to develop programmes to train staff about sustainable tourism
.
