In a groundbreaking move towards a greener future, the EXO Foundation, the philanthropic branch of EXO Travel, has partnered with the UnTours Foundation’s Reset Tourism Fund. This new microfinance initiative aims to empower small and medium-sized tourism businesses across Asia to adopt lower-carbon operations, fostering a more sustainable and equitable tourism industry.

Pioneering Investment in Green Tourism

This strategic partnership is set to provide accessible and flexible financial resources to selected suppliers within EXO Travel’s extensive network of tourism partners. These funds will be instrumental in investing in various green initiatives, such as:

• Energy-efficient technologies: Implementing advanced technologies that minimize energy consumption.
• Waste reduction strategies: Developing systems to reduce waste production significantly.
• Other environmentally friendly practices: Adopting comprehensive eco-friendly operational practices.

This support aims to help tourism businesses minimize their environmental impact while bolstering long-term sustainability. The funds are designed to be reinvested as returns are generated, ensuring a perpetual support cycle for future green initiatives.

A Unified Vision for Sustainability

Jonathan Coleman, Co-CEO of the UnTours Foundation, elaborated, “The UnTours Foundation has a 30-year history of providing affordable, flexible capital to visionary entrepreneurs who offer solutions to the world’s pressing challenges. The Reset Tourism Fund was established as a natural extension of our work, specifically targeting the tourism sector.”

Charlotte Piffard, Leader of the EXO Foundation, echoed this sentiment, adding, “At EXO Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of tourism to drive positive change. Our partnership with the UnTours Foundation underscores our commitment to promoting sustainable practices within the tourism industry. Through the Reset Tourism Fund, we will leverage UnTours’ expertise to bridge the microfinance gap faced by small and medium-sized tourism businesses in Southeast Asia. This will enable our partners to invest in greener operations and contribute to a more sustainable future, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint of EXO Travel.”

Synergistic Collaboration for Sustainable Growth

The Reset Tourism Fund – Asia, co-managed by the UnTours Foundation and EXO Foundation, will focus on:

• Identifying and engaging with local partners within EXO Travel’s network.
• Evaluating investment opportunities that promise significant environmental benefits.
• Providing ongoing support and guidance to the businesses receiving funding.

The two organisations combine their expertise to empower small tourism businesses to thrive in a sustainable and equitable tourism landscape. This collaboration is not just about funding; it’s about nurturing a community of environmentally conscious tourism businesses that can lead the industry towards a more sustainable future.

This partnership marks a significant step towards a more sustainable Asian tourism industry. By providing the necessary financial support and expertise, the EXO Foundation and UnTours Foundation set a precedent for how collaboration can drive meaningful change.

Written by: Christine Nguyen

======================================