TUI backs long-term tsunami aid

Saturday, 13 Jan, 2005 0

Thomson’s German parent company TUI is establishing a long-term aid programme for tsunami-hit Asia.

The travel giant is donating euros 1.25 million in aid and will encourage its 18 million annual holidaymakers and 65,000 staff to support its efforts.

Aid is being focussed on rebuilding a badly affected village in the Tangalle district in the south coast of Sri Lanka.

TUI is working with relief organisation Plan International to effectively “sponsor” the community by providing financial resources for the rebuilding, a spokesman said.

The group is also supporting relief efforts run by Aitken Spence & Co which operates a tourism business in Sri Lanka. TUI has a shareholding in the firm.

The TUI initiative came as the Sri Lanka Tourist Board launched a major marketing drive designed to put the country back on the tourist map.

TUI AG chief executive Michael Frenzel said: “Long-term targeted aid is urgently needed to secure the future of those affected above and beyond the emergency relief that they are now receiving.

“As a globally operating travel company we feel we have a responsibility to actively support re-building in the areas that have been destroyed.”

Further cash may be offered to help other countries affected by the flood disaster.

The Sri Lanka Tourist Board campaign will include a programme of familiarisation trips.

Board chairman Udaya Nanayakkara said: “While we are still working on the finer details of the campaign, it will focus on the multi-faceted nature of our tourism, the fact that we have such a stunning variety of attractions all unaffected by the tsunami and all within easy reach of the capital Colombo.

“The campaign won’t be driven by a select few. We will be asking every Sri Lankan to play a part in the revival of tourism.”

Report by Phil Davies

Phil Davies

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