MERCATOR SUPPORTS THE LAUNCH OF THE CONSCIOUS TRAVEL FOUNDATION

We were thrilled to be asked to help with the launch of the Conscious Travel Foundation, a social enterprise that will support grassroots projects across the globe, as well as help its members make positive moves towards a sustainable future. 

The foundation's work is more important than ever in the wake of the travel ban caused by the coronavirus pandemic: many grassroots charities work in tandem with responsible hotels, resorts and travel companies, using donations from guests to fund their operations – but during the pandemic their incomes have dwindled, causing greater hardship in communities already beset by poverty and inequality. In Peru, for example, where porters on the Inca trail usually earn around $360 a month to support their families, thousands have lost work due to closed borders and are not receiving governmental support. In Cartagena, Colombia, market closures have meant that traders no longer have an income, while education and food projects have been faced with a near-impossible lack of funds. And in parts of Africa, a loss of safari traffic and jobs has meant that poaching is once again on the rise.

Through a mix of membership fees and events, the foundation will raise money to help in parts of the world where income has been severely affected by the crisis, with the twin aim of guiding holidaymakers towards making more responsible travel choices in the longer term, by allowing vetted members to display The Conscious Travel Foundation badge on their website and literature. Amid widespread calls for a green recovery, it's great to see travel companies taking positive action. 

Fundraising will begin in September, with an online auction of worldwide travel experiences. Sign up on the website (theconscioustravelfoundation.com) to find out more, or follow the foundation on Instagram @theconscioustravelfoundation.