• The Foundation's relief programme supports people in holiday destinations affected by the Coronavirus pandemic

• The launch initiative "100 Helping Hands” supports 100 local aid organisations worldwide who are working on the ground to reduce the impact of the pandemic

• The programme has been made possible by donations from TUI guests and employees worldwide

The first stage of the programme is the ‘100 Helping Hands’ initiative which will respond directly to the needs of communities by supporting local aid organisations in holiday destinations. It will include assistance with hygiene training, home schooling and childcare as well as the distribution of emergency food parcels and healthcare items, such as masks, for disadvantaged families. The Foundation will give 500,000 euros to this scheme. More TUI Care Foundation initiatives in the Corona relief programme will follow in the coming weeks.

International travel restrictions have meant that the pandemic has been particularly hard for people whose livelihoods depend on tourism. In many countries, existing state aid and support systems have been overwhelmed by the impact of the pandemic and can longer provide a cushion against social hardship.

Business communities are also facing crisis and are unable to offer support. So, it’s more important than ever to help strengthen social commitment to overcome the Corona crisis and the role of NGO’s is crucial to this. On the ground, they know the needs of the local communities and how they can be supported most effectively.