UN Tourism and TUI the worlds largest leisure, travel and tourism company have entered into an agreement to empower artists and artisans in Gambia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia and Zambia.
The travel companys TUI Care Foundation has become the first partner to support the pilot phase of UN Tourisms Tourism for Rural Development Small Grants Programme. Through the agreement, the partners will expand the reach of TUI Care Foundations Colourful Cultures programme, calling for proposals from non-profit organisations to develop innovative initiatives that benefit artisanal and artist communities. The call is expected to open for applications in September.
Tourism has the power to transform lives and communities, especially in rural areas. By supporting artists and artisans, we are not only preserving cultural heritage but also creating sustainable income opportunities. This collaboration with TUI Care Foundation exemplifies our commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism for rural development, said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili at the signing ceremony in Madrid.
The foundations global Colourful Cultures programme has already made meaningful contributions to artists, artisans and content creators in Kenya and Zambia.
In Mombasa, the programme has supported the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya APDK, which helps to provide employment for local artisans with disabilities. The programme has funded the upgrading of facilities at APDKs Bombolulu Workshop and Cultural Centre, housing a community of 190 families, with residents upskilled and employed in jewellery-making, tailoring, woodcraft, leather-work and production of mobility aids such as wheelchairs.