When travel restrictions lift, luxury tour operator Original Travel will have a new collection of itineraries ready to go, designed to respond to a growing trend of philanthropic tourism – or Philantourism, if you will; the act of choosing a holiday or experience in order to support a destination.  

The launch will be one way to bolster the travel industry when restrictions have lifted post-Covid 19, a crisis that Original Travel predicts will strengthen people's resolve to support countries in need of tourism. Destinations featured will include countries which have seen an impact on tourist numbers following natural disasters or terrorism, such as Sri Lanka, Anguilla, Australia, Turkey, Myanmar and Zimbabwe, but also those most reliant on tourism and therefore have suffered the most from the impact of the global lockdown. These include the Maldives and the British Virgin Islands, where tourism contributes a huge 41.5% and 30.3% to the country's economy respectively*. 

Tom Barber, Founder of Original Travel, says: 'We first recognised this as a trend when Sri Lanka was taken back off the FCO's “advise against travel” list following the tragic Easter bombings. Our clients were really keen to book again and we have noticed a strong sentiment, particularly among British travellers - who are a fairly hardy bunch - to support countries that are dependent on tourism and whose economies are suffering from the aftermath of terrorism or natural disasters and now, pandemics.' 

'Philantourism is a natural evolution of voluntourism, but less of a commitment; you don't need to do anything after you arrive, other than enjoy the culture, buy local and put your spending money into the tourism economy. We have no doubt that this trend will continue to grow once travel restrictions are lifted and people are able to help the worst-affected countries get back on their feet.' 

Sample itineraries will include: 

Sri Lanka: 

A 14-night trip to Sri Lanka, where the focus is on staying at family-owned guesthouses, using local guides, eating street food and fully immersing yourself in the country's local culture and traditions. You will learn the art of traditional drumming, visit a fishing community to learn how to cast the traditional way, explore the ancient sites of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya, take a cookery class at a local home, visit a school in the tea hills where the remote communities are trained and educated and enjoy the wildlife by safari drives, kayak and bike. 

From £3,920 per person, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, all experiences and guides and 14 nights' accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, originaltravel.co.uk 

Australia: 

A 14-night trip to Australia which yes, does include the chance to help a Koala recovery project in the You Yangs in Victoria where you will help replant eucalyptus trees, and a bushfire recovery project on Kangaroo Island, but otherwise lets you enjoy a country that needs and wants to see tourists. Visit the first-class wineries of the Barossa Valley and Coonawarra, drive the epic Great Ocean Road and mooch around the achingly cool city of Melbourne.   

From £5,630 per person, based on two sharing and including return flights, car hire and 14 nights' accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, originaltravel.co.uk 

Zimbabwe: 

After decades of unrest and persecution, Zimbabwe is now open for tourism in a big way. Safaris here are incredible and, as well as having a fantastic experience visiting the likes of Mana Pools, Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls, you'll be directly impacting the communities here in a meaningful way. Most of the lodges that we work with are privately-run, ensuring employment of local individuals and their families, and therefore supporting local communities. The safari industry here takes community development very seriously, with many businesses building and supporting local schools and championing scholarships for children; sponsoring medical aid; and aiding the accessibility of fresh water. Our consultants can recommend the sustainable tourism standard bearers in each location. 

From £8,550 per person, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, guided safaris and 14 nights' accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, originaltravel.co.uk 

Myanmar: 

After being off the tourism map for so long due to political unrest, and with continuing ethical questions being raised, many people want to visit the diverse and interesting Myanmar but have concerns about how to do this in a responsible way. We believe that with our guidance you can absolutely visit in an ethical way that supports the local communities who rely on tourism for income, and even help with numerous humanitarian, wildlife and environmental campaigns. Join a family-run organisation - where your money goes directly into the community - to stay in the remote Myit Kyan Gyi village and take a boat trip to spot rate Irrawaddy dolphins; dive the Mergui Archipelago and stay in a beautiful beachside eco-lodge; or pamper yourself at the infinitely incredible Wa Ale resort in one of their treehouses or beach villas and enjoy your sea views, watersports and delicious meals safe in the knowledge that your money is going into the resort's Lampi Foundation, which supports the conservation of the surrounding forest, local schools and villages, plus marine conservation in the Myeki Archipelago including the first turtle hatchery in the Lampi Marine National Park. 

Prices from £2,980 per person, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, guided tours and 14 nights' accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, originaltravel.co.uk 

Turkey: 

The historic and culturally intriguing Turkey is a huge melting pot of ancient sites, idyllic coast and bustling cities, but many have crossed it off their travel wish list due to past issues in very select areas. We think this is a massive mistake, and believe that with our excellent guidance a trip to Turkey could be one of the best you've ever taken. Visit the city of Troy (of Helen and wooden horse fame), which has recently opened to tourists; join archaeologists on a dig to uncover some of the country's ancient history; relax and rejuvenate on the beautiful Aegean Coast, which rivals the best of the Med. And then there's incomparable Istanbul. In short, there's something for everybody, numerous direct flights and your pennies and pounds tend to go further against the Turkish Lira. Value for money and an incredible holiday for you, a boost in the economy for this special corner of the world. Tick. 

Prices from £2,270 per person, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, guided tours and six nights' accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, originaltravel.co.uk 

Maldives: 

With its sugar-white sand beaches, luxurious resorts and dreamy dive sites, it's no surprise that the Maldives is a top destination for a Robinson Crusoe-style getaway. It's also the country most reliant on tourism in the world and therefore suffering hugely by the current lack of worldwide travel. Our favourite properties out there are the sustainable resorts which employ local staff and work to support social and conservation programmes; pair you up with expert divers for ethical underwater adventures to discover the marine wildlife - including tropical fish, green turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and dolphins - and give you opportunities to learn about the Maldivian culture while meeting locals craftspeople and attending educational presentations. If you want to take your philantourism in the Maldives holiday to the next level, we can arrange fascinating excursions from cleaning up the reefs to identifying and photographing turtles with a marine team to learn more about the population. As well as doing your part to protect the fragile ecosystems, we guarantee that you'll end your trip with a newfound love and appreciation for mother nature. 

Prices from £3,620 per person, based on two sharing and including return flights, transfers, and seven nights' accommodation at Soneva Fushi. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, originaltravel.co.uk 

Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/collections/philanthropic-travel 

-Ends-  

For more information contact Rebecca Lowe 

press@originaltravel.co.uk  

020 3582 4990  

*Source: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/top-10-countries-most-reliant-on-tourism.html 

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Notes to Editors:  

Original Travel specialises in bespoke, tailor-made holidays, crafted by destination experts to 77 countries worldwide from Anguilla to Zimbabwe. Since its launch in 2003, it has created 50,000 itineraries, each unique and adhering to the company ethos that “Life is in the Detail”.   

Original Travel also has its own specialist dive division. Original Diving is the world's only luxury dive travel outfit and is staffed by a team that includes 1 dive instructor, 5 dive masters and a marine biologist. Having completed more than 3,000 dives in over 50 countries, equating to over 100 years' collective diving experience, the team pride themselves on their unparalleled expertise and knowledge of the best dive destinations across the globe. 

Original Travel clients enjoy a wealth of additional services they wouldn't find with any other UK tour operator, including:  

• Access to a network of 70-plus Concierges who live locally, know their destinations inside and out and are extremely well-connected. They lend fantastic ground support, offering insider recommendations, facilitating any last-minute changes and troubleshooting 
• A brace of additional services designed to make departure easier than ever. Every Original Travel client, regardless of whether they're off on a long-weekend to Seville, or a multi-destination sabbatical, will enjoy UK airport meet and greet, fast track UK check-in, fast track UK security*, lounge access and pre-booked flight seats. A great way to start the holiday sooner 
• The knowledge that not only will Original Travel offset the carbon footprint of their international flights, but also - in an industry-first - car-hire and other flights (even if booked independently) 
• The knowledge that they are contributing to Our Foundation, which supports nearly 100 humanitarian projects in 30 developing countries. To date, nearly £800,000 has been invested to support five key areas: child protection, vocational training, economic development assistance, preservation of cultural and natural heritage and safeguarding the lifestyles of indigenous peoples