UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation Launch ‘Colourful Cultures’ Initiative to Empower Rural Artisans Across Africa

(IN SHORT) UN Tourism, in partnership with the TUI Care Foundation, has launched the “Colourful Cultures” small grants initiative to support rural artisans across several African countries, including Morocco, Mozambique, and South Africa. This program invites civil society organizations and NGOs to submit proposals for projects aimed at empowering local artists, especially women and youth, enhancing their economic opportunities while preserving cultural heritage. Each selected project can receive up to EUR 20,000 in funding. The initiative underscores a commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment in tourism, with applications closing on December 2, 2024.

(PRESS RELEASE) Africa, 2024-Oct-3 — /Travel PR News/ — UN Tourism, in collaboration with the TUI Care Foundation, has unveiled the “Colourful Cultures” small grants initiative, aimed at empowering artisans in rural regions across Africa. Artisans in countries including Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Tunisia, and Zambia are now invited to submit proposals for projects that celebrate and enhance their creative talents.

The “Colourful Cultures” initiative focuses on fostering the artistic capabilities of local artists, particularly women and youth, in tourism destinations. By providing these artisans with sustainable economic opportunities, the program aims to enrich local communities, safeguard cultural heritage, and enhance community involvement in tourism.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili expressed pride in launching this pioneering Tourism for Rural Development Small Grants Programme. He emphasized, “Tourism holds the potential to bring significant socio-economic benefits to rural areas while preserving cultural legacies and generating jobs. The ‘Colourful Cultures’ initiative exemplifies our unwavering commitment to sustainable development and the empowerment of local communities.”

Echoing this commitment, Thomas Ellerbeck, Chairman of the TUI Care Foundation, remarked, “Our partnership with UN Tourism reflects our dedication to the sustainable development of the tourism sector. By supporting local artists and artisans, we are not only preserving cultural heritage but also promoting economic advancement and social well-being in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.”

Call for Applications: Empowering Creative Talent
Civil society organizations and NGOs are encouraged to submit projects that benefit artists and artisans in selected rural tourism destinations. Each project can receive a grant of up to EUR 20,000, aimed at bolstering the capacity of local artists to engage with the tourism economy, increasing their visibility in these destinations, and improving access to support services in rural areas.

The “Colourful Cultures” initiative is part of an innovative small grants program from UN Tourism focused exclusively on harnessing tourism for sustainable development in rural communities. This initiative marks a significant milestone, with the TUI Care Foundation as the first funding partner to support this transformative program.

The deadline for applications is set for December 2, 2024.

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UNWTO Communications Department
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Source: UNWTO

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