Clapham-based Travel Matters created a fundraising page last week to drum up cash to aid the work of three charities.
Owner Karen Simmonds told TTG the idea was aimed at helping communities faced with living in crowded conditions with limited water, sanitation and health care, and struggling financially due to their reliance on the tourism industry.
She described the situations in countries close to her heart, such as India, as “utterly heartbreaking”.
Travel Matters is raising money for Empart UK – working to “transform” 100,000 communities in Asia by 2030 – Just a Drop and The Travel Foundation.
“I’m in the business of selling holidays, but we want our clients to be informed and socially responsible,” said Simmonds.
“We felt a real sense of hopelessness with the situation, as we’re just a small business, and we wanted to help and stand in solidarity with the destinations and partners that have been so good to us.
“Travel is a two-way street – it’s enriching and transformative, so we as travellers and travel sellers need to be able to give back.”
Simmonds said the agency is hoping to raise at least £2,000 after hitting an initial target of nearly £1,000.
It has contacted its client database and promoted its efforts on social media to try to source donations.
“I think it has never been more important for the travel industry, despite how difficult things are, to be giving back and supporting the communities and destinations that need it most,” added Simmonds.
