Companies that define travel philanthropy – by Costas Christ
"Travel Philanthropy" also "philanthropic travel"
n 1. The act of giving back to host communities through time, talent, and treasure. 2. The intermediary between the wealth and desires of the global traveler and the socioeconomic needs of the world’s most heritage-rich communities, natural areas, and cultural sites.
The term “travel philanthropy” is less than ten years old, but the practice has been around at least since Buddha gave away his wealth while traveling through Asia and Jesus tended to the sick while wandering among remote villages in the Middle East. Modern-day travel offers just as many opportunities to do good: Countless travel advisors, tour companies, hotels, and cruise lines are giving back – and inviting clients to come along and help. The potential is huge: The travel and tourism industry is the world’s biggest provider of jobs, and in the past year more than 800 million people took an international vacation. In the months ahead, we’ll celebrate the travel industry’s charitable endeavors; here are a few companies leading the way:
Imperial Tours
A locally based China tour specialist providing experiences and access to places often inaccessible to the general public through private itineraries. Founded 1999.
Nancy Kim and Guy Rubin, managing partners, age 39, Beijing.
Why we got involved: “It was strikingly obvious that rural education and social welfare programs in China lacked funding, and children were falling between the cracks.”
The most rewarding part: “We have helped children in desperate circumstances, and when you receive a note from the child or his mother describing what the gift has meant to them, it is humbling.”
Unexpected outcome: “We once tried to sponsor the education of a begging orphan but were rebuffed by her blind minder who insisted we cover his lost income. After negotiations, we had to walk away because we were unable to guarantee that the girl would receive the education we were offering. Travel philanthropy is not always easy to do.”
Once in their life, every traveler should: “Enjoy a private dinner in style on the Great Wall of China.”
To travel more consciously: “Ask about a tour company’s environmental and social responsibility practices. Travelers’ demands are the engine to drive the travel industry forward in ways that can help the planet and local people.”
How travel has changed our lives: “Travel hasn’t changed our lives; it is our lives.”
Imperial Tours’ ten-day trip focuses on China’s “essential destinations” – Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai – including a private, chef-prepared lunch on the Great Wall. Imperial can arrange visits and volunteer experiences with some of the charitable projects they support. Departures: April 14, May 12, September 15, and October 13, 2011; from $7,920.
Costas Christ is an award-winning travel writer and Editor at Large for National Geographic Traveler. He is one of the world’s pioneers of ecotourism and is an internationally renowned expert in sustainable tourism.
© 2010 Virtuoso Life.
