To all our partners, supporters, followers and friends,

As global efforts to stem transmission of the coronavirus increase, we have already seen incredible human and economic costs to the travel industry. In these uncertain times, our hearts go out to the many people across the world whose livelihoods are inextricably linked with tourism.

This crisis is different to anything the world has experienced in living memory. The sudden realisation that “business as usual” no longer exists carries a whole array of emotions and fears.

Like most of you, our team is now based at home across many countries including Cyprus, Jamaica, Turkey and the UK. We will continue our work remotely, deliver our commitments to destinations and our charity partners, and offer support wherever we can be of use to the industry we love. I am taking great solace in watching our networks support each other, and this gives me much hope for the future we will create together.

Sooner or later travel will start anew, recovery will begin, and I hope that tourism destinations will have the chance to reflect on their role in building a sector that is stronger, better and, yes, more resilient than before. The Travel Foundation is a charity that supports communities around the world and helps to protect our most treasured places. Never has our mission seemed more urgent. The tourism we strive for is based on mitigating the risks that will remain present long after the current situation is behind us.

This means long-term vision, shared goals, a deeper understanding of tourism’s impacts, and a strong focus on local people. These are the foundations of resilient tourism economies and we believe they should be guiding principles as we begin to rebuild our industry.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Let’s stick together. Please reach out if you have ideas, need support, or just want to connect and commiserate. The conversations I have had with my team and industry colleagues have kept me going these past few difficult weeks. Above all, be well and look after yourself, your family, and your global community.

In solidarity,

Jeremy

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Jeremy Sampson

CEO