CANTON, MA - In response to the terrible devastation of the April 25, 2015 earthquake in Nepal,Tourism Cares has launched the Tourism Cares Nepal Recovery Fund.
“People should certainly fund immediate relief efforts,” said Mike Rea, CEO of Tourism Cares, “but we are urging the industry to earmark some of its giving for Nepal’s tourism industry and its long-term recovery.”
Rea noted that tourism is an especially important part of Nepal’s developing economy, and will be even more so after primary relief efforts are complete. According to the World Tourism and Travel Council, tourism in 2013 contributed 500,000 jobs and 8.2% of GDP, with strong growth projected.
The Fund will be used with local industry leaders, Solimar International’s local team and others on tourism projects that may include:
“People should certainly fund immediate relief efforts,” said Mike Rea, CEO of Tourism Cares, “but we are urging the industry to earmark some of its giving for Nepal’s tourism industry and its long-term recovery.”
Rea noted that tourism is an especially important part of Nepal’s developing economy, and will be even more so after primary relief efforts are complete. According to the World Tourism and Travel Council, tourism in 2013 contributed 500,000 jobs and 8.2% of GDP, with strong growth projected.
The Fund will be used with local industry leaders, Solimar International’s local team and others on tourism projects that may include:
- Identifying needs and prioritizing actions for tourism recovery;
- Revitalizing Nepal’s tourism product and its marketing;
- Targeted restoration and physical investments in projects that may otherwise fall through the cracks; and
- Training and recovery funds for industry professionals.
In addition to launching the Nepal Recovery Fund, Tourism Cares is surveying its membership and the industry to help measure the scope of collective giving to Nepal in the wake of the earthquake.
ASTA Supports Nepal Recovery Fund
American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), which has nine members in Nepal, joins earthquake recovery effort through partner Tourism Cares. Companies and individuals from all over the world may make a donation to the fund.
ASTA is reaching out to help the people of Nepal, who are heavily dependent on the travel and tourism industry, recover from this week’s devastating earthquake. According the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism accounts for at least 500,000 jobs in Nepal. The Tourism Cares Nepal Recovery Fund aims to rally the global travel and tourism community, leveraging contributions that focus on recovery.
More specifically, the fund will garner financial investments and work directly with Nepal’s tourism leaders to assist in prioritizing resources for recovery. Working with media and association partners, the Tourism Cares Nepal Recovery Fund will engage in dialogue with travel agents and tour operators, telling the story of sustained tourism recovery.
In a message to Nepalese ASTA members on April 27, Zane Kerby, President & CEO of ASTA, extended his sympathy and support on behalf of all ASTA members in response to the tragic earthquake.
“Your ASTA family is here by your side, and we want to help you get through this very difficult time,”said Kerby. “We realize your first priority is assisting friends and family. But we want to help.” ASTA is contributing to the fund, and urges others in the industry to consider a donation to this worthy cause.
