Coronavirus, as well as other preventable diseases, is hitting some of the world's poorest countries and most vulnerable people; many who live in crowded conditions, with limited water, sanitation and health care. These people are also often living day to day, without enough savings or food to be able to stop working and stay at home. People are affected by coronavirus financially as all travelling has stopped, bringing economies to a halt.

At Travel Matters we have sent you to places far and wide as well as travelling to many destinations all over the world ourselves. We have seen with our own eyes the communities in deprived areas of the globe. So with the spread of the coronavirus right now, the situation is utterly heart breaking.

I started Travel Matters and the campaign Make Travel Matter because I love travel, I love connecting to people, learning about new cultures and I care about people. The travel & tourism industry inspires us, connects us, creates new opportunities and jobs within communities. When done responsibly, it can be an industry that is beneficial to all.

The coronavirus outbreak is affecting everyone in the world. We are told that handwashing with soap is the first line of defence against the spread of infectious diseases like Covid-19, yet millions across the world do not have access to safe water let alone handwashing facilities or soap.

As I self isolate in the safety of my comfortable home, I want to raise myself out of the sense of hopelessness and awaken hope. I need to do something practical. In response to that need, I have set up a Donation page, requesting for your generosity. At Travel Matters, we work with several charity partners in South Asia and Africa. I can ensure you that your donation will be sent to our local partners, like Just a Drop, Empart UK and The Travel Foundation. We will support the communities we work with, helping to provide safe water, better sanitation, food and hope.

Please help us to support our partners around the world. We want to be positive change-makers for the people and the planet and when it is safe again, we can travel with intention and purpose.

Thank you!