WHO Established in 2011 as a not-for-profit organisation by Exotissimo Travel, Exo Foundation acts as an advisor on best tourism practices to the Bangkok-based DMC. The foundation has since developed Exotissimo’s responsible-travel policy while initiating or directly supporting local projects contributing to the sustainable development of destinations in South-east Asia. Exotissimo Travel is the main donator to the foundation, with US$1 donated for each travelling client.
WHAT Exo Foundation recently rolled out a revamped website (www.exofoundation.org) with a fresh layout and content to raise awareness and trigger action among travellers towards sustainable development, poverty reduction and responsible tourism practice. The website also serves as a guide for incentive groups or groups wanting to include a CSR activity in their tours.
Featuring both initiatives launched by Exo Foundation as well as organisations in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, the projects are listed according to the various themes of health and sanitation as well as community development; economic development; culture revival; education and vocational training; environment; human protection; and humanitarian aid.
For each project, the website provides an overview, the support given by Exo Foundation, plus the various ways visitors can render help to the organisation, whether through actions – such as attending a circus performance put up by underprivileged Cambodian children – or monetary donations – for example, US$70 will help sponsor three fully trained and equipped deminers in Laos to locate and destroy UXO items for one day.
Travellers also have the choice of donating to a specific project or to Exo Foundation, which will then redistribute funds where it deems most needed. Exotissimo will absorb all the administration and bank transfer costs. In-kind donations are also accepted, but the company urges prior consultation for better coordination.
Exo Cares, a booklet highlighting good tourism practices, is also available on the website.
WHY Christine Jacquemin, regional coordinator of the Exo Foundation, said: “The main goal of the website is to channel travellers’ generosity towards organisations and projects carefully selected for their efficiency and role within local economic and human development while providing tips on how to optimise the positive impact of travel.
“We prioritised these countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand) as they are where help is currently most needed and where requests from travellers are most frequently coming from.”
Apart from making it easier for travellers to find out about responsible initiatives, the website also comes in handy as “a tool and guide for MICE activities by travel agencies and Exotissimo staff who can refer to it and best advise clients”, she added.
TARGET The response among featured organisations has been “great”, according to Jacquemin, as these non-profits are appreciative of the support given by Exo Foundation and travellers alike.
While no targets have been set, Jacquemin hopes to achieve higher visibility for the revamped portal. She said: “The goal has never been to collect maximum donations, but rather to achieve maximum positive impact on destinations.
“It is very likely the total donations from travellers in all categories combined (MICE, travel agencies and direct) will exceed Exotissimo donations (eventually), in particular from MICE,” she remarked.
