A unique approach
The business invests in projects that have a lasting positive impact in the communities they touch. They believe in being a responsible business.
“We believe every business has the potential to be a force for good,” says Amanda Wills, Managing Director, Virgin Holidays.
“We have been committed to responsible tourism principles for a number of years and central to that is giving something back to the destinations that support our business.”
What do they support
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The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean |
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Launched with Virgin Unite in September 2011, this Centre provides aspiring entrepreneurs with business training, mentors and access to networks and resources. It’s based in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with a number of smaller virtual satellite centres planned throughout the Caribbean.
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Helping Youth Shine |
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This Virgin Holidays programme is based on the belief that every young person should have a chance to fulfil their potential and “shine” in whatever they choose to do. Virgin Holidays work with a number of charity partners to make this happen, and help change lives. |
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Human Nature Collection |
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This is a collection of holidays and properties which go the extra mile to look after the local environment and communities in the destinations. The aim is to cater to Virgin Holiday customers who want to balance unforgettable experiences with more responsible travel choices.
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Work with Virgin Unite
Sharing expertise helps make Virgin Holiday and Virgin Unite projects stronger. For example, for The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean, Virgin Holidays is the lead Virgin business sponsor, and has committed £2 million over the next decade to support the Centre. Virgin Unite has overseen the set up and subsequent day-to-day operations at the Centre via the appointed, on the ground management team.
Impact?
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The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean |
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This Centre will contribute to the long-term economic sustainability of the region by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18-35 years old in establishing and growing businesses in the Caribbean. |
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Helping Youth Shine |
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In Sri Lanka, Virgin Holidays has partnered with the Travel Foundation to help local women earn a fair living from tourism and keep the traditional craft of Beeralu lace making alive.
To date a total of 64 people, mainly unemployed women and school leavers, have been trained at the Dickwella Centre in lace making skills. With support from Virgin Holidays, the Centre has been working to increase sales in lace products, enabling the Centre to become self-sustaining and providing the ladies with a long term source of income.
With support from Virgin Holidays, 250 fishermen in Bluefield’s Bay, Jamaica, now have greater hope for the future, thanks to the establishment of a marine sanctuary. Wolde Kristos, head of Bluefields Bay fishing society, and his fellow fishermen have been busy demarcating a marine sanctuary with 50 buoys. Controlling fishing zones means securing a profitable future for the community, and fresh fish for local families and holidaymakers for years to come.
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Human Nature Collection |
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Holidays through the Human Nature Collection either directly benefit local communities or positively contribute to the conservation of valuable local resources, such as national parks or wilderness areas. They have their sustainability credentials vetted by Virgin Holidays’ dedicated team. |
Here’s what they are saying:
Amanda Wills, Managing Director, Virgin Holidays
“With the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean we are once more leading the travel industry in showing how it can contribute to the communities and countries in which it operates.”
Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group Founder
“I have always loved the Caribbean and we’ve been sending people on holiday there for many years now. We hope the Centre will inspire young entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and, ultimately, the regional economy, by creating opportunities for future generations.”
For more info on Virgin Holidays, please email:
mirieme.hill@virginholidays.com