World Travel Market 2008 recognizes Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel Innovation and Leadership

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World Travel Market 2008 recognizes Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel Innovation and Leadership

Friday, November 28, 2008

Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel is grateful to have been recognized as a travel industry leader in Philanthropic Travel by The 2008 World Travel Market: The Global Event for the Travel Industry.

Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel has pioneered the Philanthropic Travel experience by forging mutually beneficial fund raising partnerships with high impact NGOs serving in destination communities worldwide.

By educating philanthropic travelers on the critical humanitarian and environmental challenges and solutions facing fellow human beings who are struggling for their very survival, we are facilitating deeply meaningful, personally transformative vacation experiences that are funding clean energy, children's education, basic medical services and safe drinking water.

With all due respect to Caroline Bremner, Head of Travel and Tourism Research for Euromonitor International and author of the 2008 Global Trends Report, Philanthropic Travel is not a "trend," reserved only for the "socially conscious jet set," as she has reported.

The cynical and nihilistic assertion that Philanthropic Travel is motivated by upper class guilt, assuaged by "conscientious consumption," is inconsistent with the testimony from our clients, who seek to connect at the heart with indigenous people.

Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel clients report that our facilitated, personal introductions to high impact NGOs left them with a renewed belief in themselves and their purpose in life.

Client donations, which far exceed our company's industry-leading $250 per traveler donation, have empowered local communities to gain a foothold on sustainability.

We Know the World by Heart: Exquisite Safaris
The cornerstone of our success is creating an awareness in the traveler/donor and host/beneficiary that the "Circle of Giving" is only completed when a personal relationship is created face to face -the moment when gifts flow in both directions.

The resulting intimacy, trust and confidence between newfound collaborators has inspired and educated children, parents, boyfriends, girlfriends, mothers, fathers, grandparents and even the most jaded world weary travelers with clear evidence that one person can create powerful change -if they just make the journey with philanthropic intent.

Philanthropic Travel: The Globalization of Empathy
Unless you are a doctor, dentist, solar power specialist or have a technical skill that is urgently needed at the time, our NGO partners report that cash donations, which fund teachers salaries, employ local labor, and purchase local materials, are more important than 'gifts in kind or short term volunteer labor.'

Philanthropic Travel is a learning experience, not a service experience like voluntourism.

Philanthropic Travel: It benefits everyone
We agree with the Ms. Bremner's assertion:

"Travellers who do not have time to spend their holiday volunteering are more likely to choose industry suppliers that support local communities by paying market wages or by donating a portion of profits. However, the mass market is not willing to take on a price premium to switch to this type of supplier."

Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel prices our three, four and five star philanthropic travel experiences at market rates as compared with similar non-philanthropic tour operators or even do it yourself travelers who would piece together airlines, guides, vehicles and accommodations for an 'apples to apples' trip a la carte.

Our $250 donation to our NGO partner does not add to the cost, it is subtracted from our revenue.

Philanthropic Travelers: Better Angels
During each of our journeys, there are those inevitable moments when someone comes into our life at precisely the right time and says or does precisely the right thing. Their words or actions may help us perceive ourselves more clearly, remind us that everything will turn out for the best, help us cope, or see us through difficult situations.

These people are Better Angels -individuals designated by a higher power to be there for those in need at specific points in time.

Better Angels, come into our lives when we least expect them and when we can most benefit from their presence.

Most Better Angels are regular people, going about their daily lives until inspired to be in the right place at the right time to bring peace, joy, help, or heal someone when they most need it.

You may have met a Better Angel in the form of a teacher who gave you a piece of advice that touched your soul and influenced your path.

Perhaps it was a person that momentarily stopped you to say hello while crossing the street, delaying you long enough to avoid an oncoming car.

Better angels may offer nothing more than a kind word, smile, and a generous anonymous donation -but they will offer it when you can draw the most strength and support from their simple action. Better Angels give of their inner light to all who need it, coming into our lives and often changing us forever.

-David Chamberlain, Founder Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel :: November 28, 2008

Learn More:
Financial Times/FT.com: Exquisite Safaris Philanthropy Travelers
What Should a M/Billionaire Give -and What Should You?
Friends of Ngong Road Schools: Philanthropy Travel Kenya
Hi-Res Slideshow

Now is your Moment: Philanthropic Travel
TheGlassHammer.com Philanthropic Travelers
Vacationing in Generosity: Philanthropy Travel
Life Changing: Philanthropy Travel
Your First Philanthropy Travel Experience

Philanthropic Travelers:
John Legend: Philanthropy Traveler
The One's Who Do: Philanthropy Travelers

by: dchamberlain

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