Riviera Travel starts fundraiser for Kenya project

Riviera Travel has launched a fundraiser in support of its waste management project in Kisumu, Kenya, in partnership with Practical Action. Running from now to June 13, the Riviera Races to Kisumu initiative will see team members from the river cruise and escorted tour operator take part in a virtual sponsored challenge to run, walk, swim and cycle the distance from their head office in Burton on Trent to Kisumu, a total of 6340 miles.

Kenya currently generates up to 400 tonnes of waste per day, with approximately 252 tonnes of this in Kisumu.

Riviera’s two-year project with Practical Action will work with more than 2,000 households and 100 waste workers to create long-term solutions for waste management. It aims to remove 67 tonnes of plastic from the environment, recycle approximately 33 tonnes and reduce the number of waste hotspots in Kisumu, including across the Auji River.

The Kisumu initiative is part of Riviera’s wider Doing the Right Thing strategy, which features four key pillars: sustainability, managing carbon footprint, operating ethically and charitable contributions. Key pledges include reducing guests’ carbon footprint by 20% by 2028, and a commitment to raise significant charity funds by donating £1 per guest booked from 2024 onwards, as well as encouraging staff and corporate donations.

Will Sarson, head of product cruise and long haul at Riviera, said: “This fundraiser is an epic undertaking for team Riviera, demonstrating our commitment to supporting projects that deliver long-lasting change benefiting local communities. Travel is about far more than simply visiting destinations; it is a force for good that can help to create a clean and sustainable future for all.”

Akinyi Walender, Africa director at Practical Action, said: "Riviera Travel and its customers will be instrumental in improving the environment. This signifies our shared commitment to ensuring a healthier and cleaner future for the local communities, creating jobs, increasing incomes, changing behaviour and attitudes around recycling, and enhancing the overall well-being of the people in the region.”

To support the fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/page/riviera-travel-1714136551528