One of the nice things about this time of year is seeing some of the headlines on the press releases that cross my desk. Sure, there are those that — just like the rest of the year — scream about "economic woes," warn about "safety concerns" and decree "the end of the travel industry," but there are others, too.
"The Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation pledges $1 million for sustainable tourism": In one of the most significant long-term grant programs initiated by the tourism industry, The Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation, which includes industry leaders Trafalgar Tours, Insight Vacations, Brendan Worldwide Vacations, Contiki Holidays, AAT Kings and Grand European Tours, signed agreements with environmental groups as part of its commitment to provide $1 million annually for conservation and sustainable tourism projects.
"A Season of Giving at the Crescent Hotel Beverly Hills": Throughout the month of December, the Crescent Hotel, a boutique gem in the heart of Beverly Hills, is doing its part to spread holiday cheer by donating a portion of all regularly priced room reservations to the Fred Jordan Missions of Los Angeles — 100 percent of which goes directly toward holiday gifts for the Mission’s children.
"Travcoa travelers raise $1.25 million for disabled veterans": Travcoa, the luxury travel company, was part of an event that raised $1.25 million for disabled veterans returning from battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan. The charity presented America’s Vet Dogs with a check for $1.25 million to fund training and procurement of service dogs for veterans.
At times like this, when business is tough and all of us are concerned about the future, we should be proud to see how the travel industry continues to go out of its way to help others. I’m sure you have heard your own stories of good deeds this season. Visit this article at TravelAgeWest.com/GoodDeeds and tell us some of your favorites, and we’ll salute them in a future Web article. In the meantime, I’ll be enjoying the holiday cheer delivered to my e-mail inbox.
