Boosting Sustainable Tourism: TUI Futureshapers Program Empowers Small Businesses Worldwide
The tourism industry is a global powerhouse, contributing over 10% to global GDP and employment. However, accessing funding and support remains a significant challenge for small businesses in the sector. To bridge this gap, the TUI Futureshapers programme, in partnership with UnTours, is making a positive impact by providing flexible and affordable capital to entrepreneurs who prioritize the positive social and environmental impact of tourism.
Supporting Underrepresented Groups in Tourism
This groundbreaking initiative aims to support 15 businesses globally, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups in tourism ownership, including women, ethnic minorities, and social enterprises with vibrant community or environmental missions.
A Powerful Partnership for Sustainable Growth
The TUI Futureshapers programme harnesses the combined expertise of UnTours Foundation, known for its innovative and catalytic investments, and the TUI Care Foundation**. Leveraging TUI Group’s extensive reach within the tourism ecosystem, the programme goes beyond financial support by offering technical assistance, mentorship, and access to a network of industry experts.
Reinvested funds create a sustainable cycle, enabling continuous support for new ventures in the future. This ensures long-term impact and empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive in the dynamic tourism landscape.
Real-World Impact Stories
The program’s impact is already being felt across the globe. Here are a few inspiring examples:
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Astungkara Way (Bali, Indonesia):
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Siem Reaper Travel (Cambodia):
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Coral Colabs (Global):
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Red Rocks Rwanda (Rwanda):
This ecotourism development agency offers immersive travel experiences centered around agriculture, promoting rural economic development and preserving traditional practices. Through the TUI Futureshapers programme, Astungkara Way is expanding its rural trail network and connecting local farmers to new markets.
This locally owned bicycle tour company specializes in sustainable travel adventures across Southeast Asia. Committed to uplifting local communities, Siem Reaper Travel focuses on youth development through its Local Guide Training Center and emphasizes environmental protection. The program has helped upgrade their bicycle fleet and enhance their marketing efforts.
Behind the Global Coalition, Coral Colabs aims to regenerate marine ecosystems by uniting art, science, and communities. Their project with the TUI Futureshapers programme involves building a coral farm in the Dominican Republic, integrating artistic elements into coral reef restoration, and offering educational experiences for visitors. This initiative contributes to marine protection, ecotourism, and sustainable financial opportunities while advancing conservation and education.
This social enterprise promotes sustainable tourism in and around Volcanoes National Park. With the program’s support, Red Rocks Rwanda is expanding its marketing efforts and developing new services that offer value-added experiences for international tourists, such as cooking classes, nature walks, and community-based tourism activities.
These stories exemplify the TUI Futureshapers Programme’s commitment to empowering individuals and communities to create a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry.
Entrepreneurship October: Amplifying Support for Sustainable Businesses
The TUI Care Foundation’s ‘Entrepreneurship October’ is dedicated to spotlighting the transformative power of empowering small businesses in tourism destinations. Through project launches and shared knowledge, the campaign emphasizes the holistic approach necessary for successful sustainable development: financial assistance, mentorship, and access to the broader tourism market.
Ready to make a difference? Explore opportunities to support the TUI Futureshapers program and contribute to the future of sustainable tourism.
