European Travel Industry Unites to Bring Summer Camp Joy to Ukrainian Children

European Travel Industry Unites to Bring Summer Camp Joy to Ukrainian Children

(IN BRIEF) A new fundraising campaign has been launched through a partnership between the European travel industry and the New Hope Travel Industry Children’s Fund to organize summer camps for Ukrainian children affected by the conflict. Inspired by a successful 2024 summer camp in Sweden—where 43 children and five adults journeyed from Kiev to Stockholm for a 10-day cultural and recreational adventure—the initiative aims to replicate similar camps across Europe in summer 2025. While industry partners are committed to providing free accommodation, food, and entertainment, additional funds are needed to cover transportation and incidental costs, estimated at €300 per child. The campaign, supported by travel associations and aimed at providing a welcome escape and positive impact for these children, invites contributions of any size via the New Hope Travel Industry Children’s Fund website.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, 4-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In an inspiring collaboration, the European travel industry and the New Hope Travel Industry Children’s Fund have joined forces to launch a continent-wide fundraising initiative aimed at organizing summer camps for Ukrainian children impacted by the ongoing conflict. This effort builds on the success of a 2024 summer camp organized by the Association of Swedish Travel Industry (SRF), during which 43 children aged 8 to 17, accompanied by five adults, embarked on a 10-day journey from Kiev to Stockholm by coach. The children had the opportunity to explore cultural landmarks and engage in recreational activities, thanks to generous support from industry partners who provided free accommodation, ferry transport, meals, entertainment, and other essential services.

Motivated by the Swedish model, travel associations across Europe are now planning to replicate the initiative in their respective countries for summer 2025. While discussions are already underway with partners to secure complimentary accommodation, food, and entry tickets, additional funding is necessary to cover the transportation costs from Ukraine and other incidental expenses. Based on the Swedish example, it is estimated that around €300 per child will be required to facilitate their participation.

The European travel associations have partnered with the New Hope Travel Industry Children’s Fund—a non-profit foundation based in Sweden—to launch a European-wide fundraising campaign. The scale and locations of the summer camps will be determined by the amount of funds raised and the level of sponsorship secured from travel companies.

“These summer camps provide a crucial escape for children who have faced unimaginable hardships,” said the President of ECTAA. “By creating moments of normalcy and joy, we aim to have a lasting positive impact on their lives. Who better than the travel industry—experts at crafting transformative experiences—to offer these children an extraordinary opportunity for discovery and renewal?”

The campaign welcomes contributions of any size, as each donation will help maximize the number of children who can benefit from this life-changing experience. Interested supporters are encouraged to visit the New Hope Travel Industry Children’s Fund website for more information and to make a donation.

About ECTAA

ECTAA represents the interests of 80,000 travel agents and tour operators in Europe, which provide consultancy and sell transport, accommodation, leisure and other tourism services as well as combined products to leisure and business customers. . ECTAA regroups travel associations from all EU countries as well as Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom – see link here.

For media inquiries, please contact: Eric Drésin, edresin@ectaa.eu

About Newhope Travel Industry Children’s Fund

Newhope Travel Industry Children’s Fund is a Swedish non-profit fundraising organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable children worldwide. Founded in 1989, the organization has a mission to ensure children’s access to education and good health.

For media enquiries, please contact: Helena Hedlund, info@newhope.se

SOURCE: ECTAA