TUI Care Foundation Partners with Plan International Laos to Launch TUI Futureshapers Laos and Foster Sustainable Development in the Tourism Sector
The world tourism sector is at a turning point, where tourist destinations aim to achieve economic development while ensuring environmental conservation.
The world tourism sector is at a turning point, where tourist destinations aim to achieve economic development while ensuring environmental conservation. In view of this dilemma, the TUI Care Foundation joined forces with Plan International Laos to introduce an innovative initiative that will establish a greener, more sustainable tourism economy. This program, called TUI Futureshapers Laos, is aimed at empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and young entrepreneurs in Laos with the resources, tools, and information necessary to succeed and encourages environmental responsibility.
In line with the EU-funded project Lasting Laos, TUI Futureshapers Laos offers a fundamental element: the Small Matching Grants Programme, a green financial tool with the purpose of supporting enterprises to create and launch sustainable products and services. The program has four of Laos’ most important tourism spots as targets: Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province, Luang Prabang, and Champasak, which are all laden with cultural and natural heritage and therefore the best places for practicing sustainable tourism.
A Green Future for Tourism
The heart of this initiative is the Small Matching Grants Programme, which provides small grants to support businesses in adopting environmentally friendly practices. These grants act as seed funding to help MSMEs pilot and scale innovations that are responsible, sustainable, and aligned with global green growth strategies. By focusing on environmentally sustainable practices, the initiative helps businesses reduce their ecological footprint, conserve natural resources, and protect the vibrant cultural and natural heritage that Laos has to offer.
Over the course of the project, the TUI Futureshapers Laos initiative will provide technical support to 200 MSMEs and 100 young entrepreneurs. Notably, 50% of these young entrepreneurs will be women, ensuring that the project fosters gender equality and empowerment in an industry that has historically been dominated by men. The technical support will include training in areas such as sustainable business practices, financial management, and product development, helping participants to enhance their skills and adopt greener practices in their daily operations.
This capacity building is not just about providing support to businesses; it is also about ensuring that these businesses meet international standards for sustainability. As part of the program, participating MSMEs will be guided through the process of achieving the Lasting Laos sustainability certification, which is a key benchmark for businesses that wish to demonstrate their commitment to green growth. This certification ensures that businesses are aligned with national and global sustainability standards, making them more attractive to eco-conscious consumers and investors.
Empowering Women and Youth in the Tourism Sector
One of the core goals of the TUI Futureshapers Laos project is to empower women and youth, particularly in remote and underserved regions. The tourism industry in Laos has great potential to provide employment opportunities for women and young people, but traditionally, these groups have been underrepresented in the sector. By focusing on these demographic groups, the initiative seeks to promote gender equality, financial independence, and leadership development.
The inclusion of women is particularly important, as studies have shown that empowering women entrepreneurs not only improves their quality of life but also contributes to the overall economic growth of the country. The project’s emphasis on youth entrepreneurship is equally vital. As the next generation of leaders, young entrepreneurs are crucial to shaping the future of Laos’ tourism industry, and giving them the tools to succeed will have a lasting impact on the country’s sustainable development.
Boosting Investment and Visibility
In addition to offering grants and technical support, the TUI Futureshapers Laos project aims to foster long-term investment in sustainable tourism ventures. One of the ways this will be achieved is through the organization of an investor familiarization trip in the third year of the project. This event will bring international investors and mentors to Laos to meet with high-potential enterprises, explore funding opportunities, and establish lasting partnerships.
The familiarization trip is a critical component of the project’s strategy to ensure that the businesses involved have access to the resources and capital necessary to scale their sustainable innovations. By connecting local entrepreneurs with international investors, the project creates pathways for businesses to expand beyond Laos’ borders, reach global markets, and secure the funding needed for long-term success. This international visibility will be instrumental in positioning Laos as a leading destination for sustainable tourism.
Impact on Livelihoods and Economic Growth
The TUI Futureshapers Laos initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the livelihoods of those involved in the project. It is estimated that approximately 2,000 livelihoods will be supported, including employees of the participating businesses. As MSMEs grow and adopt sustainable practices, they will create new jobs, enhance the local economy, and provide valuable services to the community.
Moreover, the project aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development, helping to preserve Laos’ rich cultural and natural assets while generating economic opportunities for its people. By fostering a tourism economy that is resilient, green, and inclusive, the project ensures that tourism remains a pillar of Laos’ economy for generations to come.
Global Reach: TUI Futureshapers Program
TUI Futureshapers Laos is part of the global TUI Futureshapers program, which empowers individuals to transform social and environmental challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities. The program includes projects in a variety of countries and regions, such as Greece, Portugal, Sweden, and North Africa, among others. The program’s success in these locations demonstrates the potential for creating positive change through sustainable tourism practices and social entrepreneurship.
The dedication of the TUI Care Foundation towards sustainable tourism is also reflective in its Tourism for Development Month, an event held annually on projects within Least Developed Countries (LDCs). By investing in projects within LDCs, the TUI Care Foundation strives to enhance destination community capacity, livelihood improvement, and nature conservation. The Foundation has pledged €10 million by 2030 to enable LDCs under the Tourism for Development Fund, a collective commitment with UN Tourism.
TUI Futureshapers Laos is a groundbreaking initiative that provides MSMEs and young entrepreneurs with the support they need to create a sustainable and resilient tourism economy. Through its innovative Small Matching Grants Programme, capacity-building efforts, and focus on empowering women and youth, the project is laying the foundation for a greener and more inclusive future. As it connects local businesses with international investors and mentors, the project will help Laos become a global leader in sustainable tourism. With the support of the TUI Care Foundation, TUI Futureshapers Laos is poised to make a lasting impact on both the local economy and the global tourism industry.
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