Key decision makers in 26 nations including Kenya and five continents have launched a new tourism initiative called Project Hope Travel.

Hashtag #projecthopetravel has been established to share ideas, initiatives for tomorrow’s tourism.

Kenya's Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Mr Najib Balala is among the brains behind the formation.

The initiative is a public-private partnership to prepare for a new reality of the travel and tourism industry after COVID-19.

“There is a lot of love, passion and hope for tourism. Tourism the way we know it will be history, but if we play our cards well, it will emerge even better and more beautiful”, said Juergen Steinmetz, CEO of the Travel News Group.

Steinmetz is also a founding member of this group.

Now is the time for everyone in this industry to take a seat on a virtual table and share ideas, projects and initiatives. Tourism is an industry of peace, and the chance for tourism to show this has never been better.

Apart from Balala,other founders of the initiative include Louis D’Amore, founder of the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism, Deepak Joshi, former CEO Nepal Tourism Board, Pascal Viroleau, CEO of the Vanilla Island Tourism Organization, Ambassador Dho Young-shim from South Korea, Tourism  minister Edmund Bartlett from Jamaica.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC  said that travel and tourism Tourism is a critical sector to the global economy, accounting for one in four of all new jobs worldwide and contributing 10.3% to GDP.

''Our sector touches everyone. It builds communities, reduces poverty in the world and improves the social impact of everyday lives. Yet we are uniquely exposed at this time due to Covid-19,'' she said.

Project Hope Travel was an initiative that emerged at a board meeting by the COVID-19 task force meeting of the  African Tourism Board last month.

Alain St.Ange, President of the African Tourism Board said that  Hope for Africa and for the World at large is today so needed.

''But just hoping will not make a difference by itself. This is why I am thankful that a group of dedicated tourism professionals has joined together to not only initiate Project Hope Travel, but to also make time to steer it for the benefit of everyone in the world,'' St Ange said.

Taleb Rifai, former UNWTO Secretary General said that the transformative power of travel and tourism, when well managed and utilized, is a cornerstone in establishing world peace and in turn a better world, for people and planet.

''Protecting our cultural and natural heritage, Empowering local communities. Breaking down stereotypes enabling us to experience, enjoy and celebrate the beauty of our rich cultural diversity. These are indeed some of tourism’s contributions to making the world a better place to live.

Cuthbert Ncube, Chairman African Tourism Board said: “As Africa is speaking with a united voice in curbing the scourge of the pandemic, this is an encouraging endeavor in a crisis that has driven the west and the east to shift their priorities. Together we will succeed and become stronger. Project Hope Travel is Africa’s contribution to the world of tourism.”