TripAdvisor pledges $5 million towards refugee charities

At least $5 million is being committed by TripAdvisor’s charitable foundation to aid the humanitarian refugee crisis over the next three years. The foundation will initially expand its partnership with The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Mercy Corps providing $1 million over two years to each organisation. Additionally, through its TripAdvisor Media Group, the company … Continue reading TripAdvisor pledges $5 million towards refugee charities

At least $5 million is being committed by TripAdvisor’s charitable foundation to aid the humanitarian refugee crisis over the next three years.

The foundation will initially expand its partnership with The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Mercy Corps providing $1 million over two years to each organisation.

Additionally, through its TripAdvisor Media Group, the company has agreed to provide in-kind support in multiple areas.

Financial and in-kind support from TripAdvisor will address four key focus areas of need:

• Meeting urgent humanitarian needs in Europe and the Syria region

• Enabling access to critical information via technology solutions for refugees to make smart and informed decisions along their journey

• Providing essential education and empowerment opportunities for refugee youth

• Supporting & strengthening resettlement opportunities in the US, and in other host communities

TripAdvisor chief executive Steve Kaufer said: “In the face of one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises, we are called to action.

“Millions of refugees are seeking safe haven, often without safety or clarity around where they will end up, and they truly need our collective support.”

He added: “This is a protracted crisis that is not going away overnight. It is reshaping economies and societies for the long-term. We know that no single company or organisation can tackle this crisis singlehandedly and our donation and in-kind support is only a small fraction of what is desperately needed.

“With the state of the issue, governments around the world need to do more to find and implement lasting solutions; however, it’s incumbent upon the private sector to leverage our unique expertise, resources and capabilities in partnership with non-profit organisations.”

David Miliband, president and chief executive of the IRC, said: “Last summer as thousands of refugees arrived on the shores of Greece, TripAdvisor was one of the first companies to respond with relief support, also raising the profile of the crisis with their millions of subscribers worldwide.

“TripAdvisor’s leadership in the travel sector and continued investment will be invaluable in addressing the needs of refugees.”