The tour operator’s foundation has been supplying aid packages to disadvantaged families in destinations such as Mexico, Jamaica, Egypt, Morocco, Spain and the Cape Verde islands through its Corona Relief Fund, which was launched in 2020 to help these communities.

The foundation is working with local partners to provide food, meals and toiletries for disadvantaged people, with this aid already reaching more than 40,000 people. This work is funded through donations from Tui’s customers and staff.

Thomas Ellerbeck, chairman of the Tui Care Foundation, said: “Many people in holiday destinations have lost their livelihoods due to the pandemic and the travel restrictions.

“For them it is a matter of basic needs, which is the foundation of many families. In this unprecedented situation, the TUI Care Foundation is supporting families with aid packages, food and hygiene products.

“To make this happen, we’re working primarily either with local organisations or implementing our own aid projects on the ground.”

Tui said there have been some “creative approaches” taken by partners to distribute the aid, including Pikala Bikes in Morocco, which usually runs sustainable bicycle tours of Marrakech and Agadir, but is now using its bikes and trailers to transport food packages to families.