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Tourism Concern Overwhelmed by Industry Support but More Money Still Needed
Saturday, 16 Nov, 2009
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£32,000 already raised of target £100,000 which will get campaigning agency out of danger
Over £32,000 has already been raised for Tourism Concern in the month since travelmole and Vision on Sustainable Tourism first broke the news of Tourism Concern’s plight. The independent trade campaigning agency needed £40,000 to see it through until Christmas, and £100,000 to get breathing space to rethink its funding strategy.
It is understood that big donations and offers of support have also been received from important trade individuals including Fiona Jeffrey Chairman of WTM.
Tricia Barnet of Tourism Concern says she has been overwhelmed by messages of support from the travel industry: “The response from business has been a surprise. I always thought that we were considered to be an uncomfortable nuisance by the industry. What we have learnt from our crisis is that we are valued by many who are aware of the great gulf between the holiday experience and the experience of those living and working in the destinations – especially in poverty ridden environments. Our remit has always been that tourism should benefit local people. I am sure that all those who donate will understand that their donation will not compromise our work. There is still so much to do.”
“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit and cheque book from the trade in response to our difficult financial situation. To date we have £32,000, which is terrific. However, it’s still a long way to go before we reach our targeted £100,000.”
“The 100 Appeal hopes to raise £1000 from 100 companies. This would get us over our core funding hurdle and enable us to continue our vital work. It will also give us the breathing space to rethink our business plan and funding strategy.”
A ‘Just Giving’ site has been launched www.justgiving.com/Tourism-Concern-100-Appeal/ to support Tourism Concern’s 100 appeal – 100 companies/individuals giving £1,000 each, suggested by Debbie Hindle of BGB Communications, another big donor.
Says Debbie: “Tourism Concern’s work is incredibly valuable for both large and small scale tourism enterprises. It is often the voice of reason for establishing fairer relationships in travel – whether that’s articulating rights for porters, or setting guidelines for volunteering tourism".
"Tourism Concern highlights such issues, but also puts forward practical recommendations for change which other organisations can learn from and benefit from. I’ve been incredibly impressed with the charity’s business plan which looks to tackle both immediate and longer term needs such as setting up a well structured training course in sustainability for senior management in the travel industry. This is a charity that any business concerned with sustainability should engage with."
Other substantial donors include brothers Mike and Chris McHugo of Discover Ltd. They said “The Kasbah Du Toubkal opened in 1995 but we were just finding our way through the intricacies
of running a property in a remote fragile mountain area. Someone suggested I visit Tourism Concern which I did and Tricia really helped us by allowing us to borrow their Himalayan Visitor Tourism Code which we plagarised to produce the High Atlas Visitor Code which was accepted locally and translated into French and Arabic. This was the start of a long friendship with Tricia who always shows so much passion, committement and knowledge. Tourism Concern do very important work but do require and deserve financial support. Without Tourism Concern, I am convinced that host communities would be far less protected and empowered. "
And Fiona Jeffrey said "Tourism Concern plays a very valuable watch dog role as well as providing vital help and support to organisations and companies that wish to develop their tourism product in line with repsponsible tourism principals. They are an asset to the industry and should be supported to be able to continue their valuable work."
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