CANTON, MA - Tourism Cares, the travel industry nonprofit with a mission to preserve and enhance the travel experience for future generations, is launching a new request for proposal process to select the destination to be highlighted at its 2017 volunteer summit. First proposals from interested destinations in North America are due by February 29, 2016. Interested destinations can visit the Request for Proposal packet to learn more about host roles and responsibilities, as well as the benefits
This annual event carries on the 13 year tradition of Tourism Cares bringing the entire travel and tourism industry to a special destination to volunteer, learn about its history and community spirit, and connect with like-minded, like-hearted peers.
“Our annual volunteer program is an amazing way to build connections to travel-related destinations and other professionals in our industry,” said Jessica Ahern, Director of Destination Volunteering & Investments, Tourism Cares. “What sets this program apart is the networking opportunities – taking our business outside of the convention center or conference room and building relationships in a new way – all while truly making a big impact on a tourism community.”
Tourism Cares unites the travel, tourism and hospitality industries through volunteerism and other programs. Through partnership with destinations, the broader tourism community has the opportunity to come together, learn from one another and provide a lasting impact on the places important for generations to enjoy.
Since 2003, more than 40,000 volunteer hours have been donated at a value of almost $1M to dozens of sites in the United States. Beginning on Ellis Island in 2003, the Tourism Cares for America volunteering series has helped sites from the most iconic to the lesser-known. Places like Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, Angel Island in San Francisco and Biscayne Bay in Miami have experienced the care and stewardship of the industry and realized the benefits of hosting.
The annual volunteer summit has been reimagined to become bigger and better – not only mobilizing industry professionals for a full-day of hands on volunteering (landscaping, painting, building simple structures, etc.), but also includes peer learning opportunities, sessions on best practices in CSR, community awards and hosted networking receptions the day before the work begins. Dubbed a “powerfully inspiring fam trip, and so much more”, the program invites an influential group of travel peers to the destination and shares its story to a broader audience through connections with both trade and local media.
The Tourism Cares give back program is all about place, people and fun – and most importantly, collaboration. Taking on a project of this size requires coordination and commitment from both Tourism Cares and the host committee. Interested destinations can visit the Request for Proposal packet to learn more about host roles and responsibilities, as well as the benefits. The application period is now open through Monday, February 15. The 2017 destination will be announced May 25, 2016.
