FCTG partners with the Intrepid Foundation for global giving initiative

Flight Centre Travel Group has partnered with The Intrepid Foundation, the not-for-profit arm of Intrepid Travel, to launch a global giving program, FCTG Gives.

The partnership will expand Flight Centre’s philanthropic reach beyond its current long-term local charity partners by tapping into The Intrepid Foundation’s strong network of more than 50 grassroots not-for-profit organizations across more than 40 countries.

Through FCTG Gives, Flight Centre’s global team of more than 12,000 employees will be able to fundraise, volunteer and give back to communities around the world.

Agents will also be able to participate in Intrepid’s annual industry campaigns locally, such as Blue Dragon Marathon Walk, which raises funds for Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, a Vietnam-based partner of The Intrepid Foundation supporting vulnerable children and communities. Flight Centre employees will also be able to launch their own fundraising campaigns for partners around the world they feel connected to.

Biheng Zhang, General Manager of The Intrepid Foundation, said the partnership highlights the growing opportunity for travel companies to work together to create positive change in the destination’s tourism depends on.

Zhang said: “Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has disbursed more than $20 million to communities around the world. We know many travel companies share the same ambition to support the places their travellers visit, but building trusted partnerships and managing responsible giving globally can be complex.”

And Zhang continued: “By sharing our network and over two decades of experience, we can help more travel companies connect with credible grassroots organisations and create meaningful impact on the ground. We are thrilled to launch this model with Flight Centre through FCTG Gives. It deepens a long-standing relationship between Intrepid Travel and FCTG and we hope it inspires others in the industry to think about how they can support the communities that make travel possible.”

Michelle Degenhardt, Global Sustainability Officer for Flight Centre Travel Group said the partnership strengthened the company’s commitment to responsible travel.

Degenhardt observed: “As an industry, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to ensure tourism benefits local communities. This partnership is a practical step forward in that direction. This partnership gives our people around the world a practical way to give back to the destinations they care about.”