TUI Care Foundation

What TUI Care Foundation does

TUI Care Foundation is an independent non-profit charitable foundation (Stichting TUI Care) registered in Rijswijk, Netherlands, founded by TUI Group in 2016 to use tourism as a force for sustainable social and environmental impact. The foundation operates across more than 30 countries with 70+ active projects, organized around three thematic pillars: empowering young people (TUI Academy for vocational training, TUI Junior Academy for environmental education), protecting nature (TUI Forests, TUI Wildlife, TUI Turtle Aid, TUI Sea The Change, Destination Zero Waste, TUI Field to Fork), and fostering sustainable holiday destinations (TUI Futureshapers for tourism entrepreneurship, TUI Colourful Cultures for cultural heritage, Storytelling Theatre for artists and artisans). It also administers the Tourism for Development Fund with UN Tourism and the Helping Hands Fund for emergency response in tourism destinations, plus symbolic adoption programmes (Turtle, Coral, Tree) and a satellite-based Turtle Tracking feature.

The foundation is governed by an independent five-member Board of Trustees chaired by Thomas Ellerbeck (TUI Group Director Corporate & External Affairs) and managed by Managing Director Alexander Panczuk, with a small core team of fewer than ten employees complemented by TUI-recharged or TUI-donated staff. Strategic execution is delivered through implementation partners and co-development alliances with UNESCO, UN Tourism, IGLTA Foundation, GIZ, GreenTec Capital Africa Foundation, Basecamp Business Incubator, Green-Up Gambia, Ninki Nanka Encounters Foundation, Target 8.9, ARCHELON, and Livingseas Foundation. Technology footprint is minimal and explicitly described as not applicable — the foundation is a programme-delivery non-profit rather than a technology developer, with its only data-driven service being satellite telemetry for sea turtle tracking.

Revenue is generated from individual donations (€9.50–€162 one-time tiers for specific programme gifts), symbolic adoption fees (Basic/Premium for turtles, corals, trees), corporate partnerships and co-funding (notably TUI Group, GIZ, Cyprus Environment Foundation, Island Oil Holdings), and grants channelled through the Tourism for Development Fund and Helping Hands Fund. The foundation holds ANBI (Dutch public benefit organisation) status, ensuring tax deductibility for donors. The business model is direct-to-consumer for individual giving (donations, adoptions via website) combined with a B2B/B2NGO partnership-led channel for corporate co-funding and on-the-ground implementation.

Name

TUI Care Foundation

Legal name

Stichting TUI Care

Website

https://tuicarefoundation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

TUI Care Foundation is an independent non-profit foundation founded by TUI Group in 2016, operating 70+ sustainable tourism, youth empowerment, and nature conservation projects across more than 30 countries worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Tourism Philanthropy and Development

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

akta.pro primary industry

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation Services (Restoration, Wildlife-Safe Operations) (THAAANAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Waste Reduction & Circularity Solutions (Plastics Elimination, Recycling, Composting) (THAAANAF), Citizen Science & Conservation Volunteer Tourism Programs (On-Site) (THAAAFAH), Community-Based & Indigenous Tourism Enablement (Local Ownership, Benefit-Sharing) (THAAANAI)

Keywords

• Sustainable tourism development
• Charitable foundation programmes
• Environmental conservation projects
• Youth empowerment tourism
• Symbolic adoption donations

Headquarters

HQ city

Rijswijk

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The foundation receives donations from individuals and corporate partners. 100% of donations go towards the programmes of the TUI Care Foundation. Donations can be made via direct bank transfer or through the TUI Foundation for German tax receipts.
2. Symbolic Adoptions: The foundation offers symbolic adoptions of turtles, coral reefs, and trees. Adoption options include Basic and Premium tiers with varying benefits such as certificates, naming rights, and photos of planted items.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

TUI Care Foundation is an independent Dutch charitable foundation (Stichting TUI Care) that initiates and funds tourism-linked projects to empower young people, protect nature and the environment, and promote sustainable holiday destinations. Its offering consists of structured grant-funded programmes (vocational training, environmental education, entrepreneurship support, cultural heritage preservation, wildlife and habitat conservation) plus donation and symbolic-adoption products (general donations, turtle/coral/tree adoptions) that channel 100% of contributions into on-the-ground projects delivered through local NGO and international agency partners.

Product overview

TUI Care Foundation operates as a charitable foundation supporting sustainable tourism development through multiple interconnected programmes. The portfolio consists of: Education programmes (TUI Academy for vocational training and TUI Junior Academy for environmental education); Community empowerment initiatives (TUI Futureshapers for entrepreneurship, TUI Colourful Cultures for cultural heritage, Storytelling Theatre for creative professionals); Environmental protection programmes (TUI Forests, TUI Wildlife, TUI Turtle Aid, TUI Sea The Change, Destination Zero Waste, TUI Field to Fork); Funding mechanisms (Tourism for Development Fund with UN Tourism, Helping Hands Fund); and symbolic adoption programmes (Turtle, Coral, Tree). The foundation also offers turtle tracking as an interactive feature. All initiatives focus on holiday destinations worldwide, with particular emphasis on empowering young people, protecting nature, and promoting sustainable development through tourism as a force for good.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TUI Academy Vocational education and career opportunities programme for young people from vulnerable communities, combining theoretical education with on-the-job training and life skills coaching in the tourism sector.
• TUI Junior Academy Environmental education programme empowering school-aged children to become Eco Champions through outdoor experiences, school projects and community initiatives focused on nature protection and wildlife conservation.
• TUI Futureshapers Entrepreneurship empowerment programme turning social challenges into opportunities in tourism destinations through mentorship, training and accelerator cohorts.
• TUI Colourful Cultures Cultural heritage protection programme empowering creatives in tourism destinations through storytelling, crafts incubator and authentic cultural product development.
• TUI Wildlife Endangered wildlife and habitat protection programme in tourism destinations, promoting responsible tourism practices and community-based conservation.
• TUI Forests Reforestation and forest conservation programme creating green habitats, supporting community-managed tree nurseries and developing forest-based tourism experiences.
• TUI Field to Fork Sustainable food production programme establishing links between rural agricultural communities and tourism sector to create better income opportunities.
• TUI Turtle Aid Sea turtle protection programme creating turtle-friendly beaches, protecting nesting sites and involving holidaymakers and local communities in conservation.
• Destination Zero Waste Waste reduction programme promoting circular economy solutions in island destinations through plastic collection, processing, recycling and community-oriented solutions.
• TUI Sea The Change Marine environment protection programme preserving and restoring coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass and protecting marine animals and coastal ecosystems.
• Tourism for Development Fund Collaboration with UN Tourism placing LDCs at the heart of sustainable tourism development through leverage of tourism power for social, ecological and economical development aligned with UN SDGs.
• Helping Hands Fund Emergency relief and local initiative fund supporting vulnerable communities and providing rapid response to crises in tourism destinations.
• Storytelling Theatre Artist and artisan empowerment programme professionalising creatives, providing market access and promoting authentic local arts and culture through traditional dance, visual arts, handicraft and theatre.
• Turtle Adoption Symbolic adoption programme supporting sea turtle protection through the Turtle Aid Programme with Basic and Premium options including naming and adoption certificates.
• Coral Adoption Symbolic adoption supporting coral reef restoration through Livingseas Foundation in Bali, with coral reef star planting and Premium options including photo documentation.
• Tree Adoption Symbolic adoption supporting tree planting and forest habitat creation through the TUI Forests Programme, with country selection and adoption certificate options.
• General Donations 100% of donations go towards TUI Care Foundation programmes supporting education, environment protection and community development worldwide, available via direct bank transfer or TUI Foundation partnership for German tax receipts (€100+).

Quantifiable outcome

• 307,000+ children empowered as Eco Champions through environmental education
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and flagship.

• Green-Up GambiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 September 2026Youth-led environmental organisation founded in 2016, based in Banjul, working at intersection of climate action, sustainable development, and community-driven conservation. Partnership for new TUI Junior Academy in The Gambia bringing environmental education to 300 pupils across 30 schools.
• Green-Up GambiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 September 2026Youth-led environmental organisation working at intersection of climate action, sustainable development, and community-driven conservation through initiatives like One Million Trees Campaign. Partnership for TUI Junior Academy Gambia.
• Ninki Nanka Encounters FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 August 2026Gambian charitable organisation working to develop the Ninki Nanka Trail to harness the untapped potential of the River Gambia for the benefit of local people. Partnership for TUI Colourful Cultures Gambia project preserving Ninki Nanka dragon folklore and empowering communities along the Gambia River through storytelling and crafts incubator.
• Target 8.9coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 20 August 2026Global development agency initiated by TUI Care Foundation dedicated to mobilising non-financial and financial resources to implement destination initiatives. Implements TUI Futureshapers Cambodia project supporting tourism SMEs in digital skills and sustainability.
• GIZ (German Development Agency)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 August 2026German Development Agency cooperating on TUI Futureshapers Cambodia project. Provides development expertise and government partnerships for implementation.
• Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2026Local initiative in Cyprus implementing Schools for Change project on plastic-free future. Engaged approximately 800 students from three primary schools in educational activities about plastic pollution.
• IGLTA FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 June 2026International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation partnering on TUI Futureshapers Global: LGBT+ Travel Innovators programme supporting LGBT+ entrepreneurs in tourism with mentoring and training.
• UNESCOflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2026Global partnership launched between UNESCO and TUI Care Foundation to empower communities in World Heritage destinations through tourism development and cultural heritage safeguarding.
• UN TourismflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2026Collaboration between TUI Care Foundation and UN Tourism on Tourism for Development Fund putting LDCs at heart of sustainable tourism development. Leverages power of tourism to drive social, ecological and economical development to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Livingseas FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner based in Bali committed to restoring coral reefs by cultivating corals and replanting them in the ocean. Supports TUI Sea the Change programme coral restoration activities in Bali.
• ARCHELONcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece caring for around 70 injured or sick sea turtles annually. Partnership for TUI Turtle Aid programme including satellite tracking of rehabilitated turtles like Triton.
• UN TourismflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint initiative for Tourism for Development Fund putting LDCs at heart of sustainable tourism development, leveraging tourism to meet UN SDGs.
• Basecamp Business IncubatormajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal partner for Tourism Thrive accelerator programme for Namibian startups and SMEs in tourism sector.
• GreenTec Capital Africa FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with TUI Care Foundation on Tourism Thrive accelerator programme for Namibian startups and SMEs in tourism, offering personalized mentorship on business models, cash flow management, investor readiness, and digital marketing.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• SEE Turtles: US nonprofit focused on sea turtle conservation through nesting-beach protection, volunteer tourism and adoptions. Emerging player with meaningful overlap on the TUI Turtle Aid programme including the symbolic turtle-adoption model and conservation-tourism narrative.
• Wild Tomorrow Fund: Wildlife and habitat conservation NGO with destination-linked programmes and donor engagement. Emerging player: comparable wildlife/habitat protection focus and donor-funded conservation model, but without the explicit tourism-industry partnership backbone.
• Win-win International: Tourism-industry coalition focused on sustainability and biodiversity-positive tourism. Emerging player: comparable tourism-industry sustainability mandate and partnership-driven model, but smaller scale and broader remit across biodiversity and climate.

Direct peers

• Sustainable Travel International: Nonprofit working with the travel industry to advance sustainability through destination stewardship, carbon programmes and community projects. Direct peer in mission and operational scope, focused on tourism-linked environmental and community outcomes.
• Tourism Cares: US-based nonprofit of the travel industry that funds community-based tourism projects and supports social enterprises in destinations. Direct peer: industry-funded non-profit running destination-level impact programmes, comparable donor base and sustainability narrative.
• Adventure Travel Conservation Fund: Tourism-industry-funded conservation fund that channels operator and traveller contributions into biodiversity and community projects. Direct peer: comparable destination-focus, corporate-tourism sponsorship model, and conservation/community mix.
• The Long Run: Membership community of nature-based tourism businesses committed to conservation, community, culture and commerce (4Cs). Direct peer: tourism-business network aligned around destination conservation outcomes and sustainability standards.
• The Travel Foundation: UK-based sustainable-tourism charity that funds destination-level programmes (community, environment, livelihoods) in popular European holiday markets. Closest direct peer to TUI Care Foundation given the shared thesis of using tourism as a development lever in holiday destinations.

Broad incumbents

• World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC): Global tourism industry's principal policy and advocacy body, with growing sustainability programming. Broad incumbent: operates across the whole tourism value chain including sustainability initiatives; comparable stakeholder universe but a different (advocacy/policy) remit.
• Conservation International: Large global environmental NGO with biodiversity, ocean and tourism-adjacent programmes (e.g., sustainable destination work). Broad incumbent: operates at much larger scale across multiple ecosystems and themes, with overlapping destination-conservation relevance.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tui-care-foundation

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles23 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about TUI Care Foundation