In a groundbreaking move towards a sustainable future, the EXO Foundation, the non-profit arm of EXO Travel, has partnered with UnTours Foundation’s Reset Tourism Fund to launch a transformative microfinance program aimed at small and medium-sized tourism businesses across Asia. This initiative will revolutionize the tourism industry by providing these enterprises with the financial support they need to adopt lower carbon operations, paving the way for a greener and more equitable tourism landscape.
Empowering a Greener Future
The UnTours Foundation’s Reset Tourism Fund and EXO Travel collaboration is designed to deliver accessible and flexible financial resources to carefully selected suppliers within EXO Travel’s extensive network. These funds are earmarked for investment in various green initiatives, including:
- Implementation of energy-efficient technologies
- Development of comprehensive waste reduction strategies
- Adoption of other environmentally friendly practices
By channelling funds into these critical areas, the program aims to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of tourism businesses while bolstering their long-term sustainability. The financial support provided through this initiative is structured to be reinvested as returns are generated, ensuring a perpetual cycle of funding for future sustainability projects.
A Unified Vision for Change
Jonathan Coleman, Co-CEO at the UnTours Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s longstanding commitment to fostering positive change through flexible capital. “The UnTours Foundation has a 30-year history of providing affordable, flexible capital to change-making entrepreneurs addressing global challenges. The Reset Tourism Fund is an extension of this mission, focusing specifically on transforming the tourism sector,” Coleman stated.
Charlotte Piffard, EXO Foundation Leader, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the transformative potential of the partnership. “At EXO Foundation, we believe in tourism’s power to drive positive change. Our alliance with UnTours Foundation underscores our dedication to promoting sustainable practices within the industry. Through the Reset Tourism Fund, we aim to bridge the microfinance gap faced by small and medium-sized tourism businesses in Southeast Asia, empowering them to invest in greener operations and contribute to a more sustainable future, thereby reducing EXO Travel’s overall carbon footprint,” Piffard explained.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Growth
The UnTours Foundation and EXO Foundation partnership will be jointly managed through the Reset Tourism Fund – Asia. The collaboration will focus on several key areas:
- Identifying and engaging with EXO Travel’s local partners
- Evaluating potential investment opportunities
- Providing continuous support and guidance to the businesses receiving investments
Both organizations are committed to leveraging their combined expertise to empower small tourism businesses to flourish within a sustainable and equitable tourism framework.
Conclusion
The partnership between EXO Foundation and UnTours Foundation marks a significant step towards a more sustainable Asian tourism industry. This innovative microfinance program is set to reduce tourism’s environmental impact and ensure the long-term viability and success of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises. With a shared vision of sustainable growth, the Reset Tourism Fund will undoubtedly catalyze positive change in the tourism sector.
Written by: Kanda Limw
