• Centuries-old grape-growing technique paving the way for sustainable development on Lanzarote
• Preservation of Lanzarote's cultural heritage creates jobs for local people with disabilities
• Hotels serve organic wines and holidaymakers experience local wine culture

The marks of traditional winemaking are evident in the unique landscape of La Geria in Lanzarote with over ten thousand vine pits scattered across the terrain. Remnants of a vanishing industry, the distinctive pits were filled with small lava stones to hold moisture and nurture the vines, and then protected with larger lava stone walls. Labour intensive by modern standards, farmers have been  gradually abandoning this tradition. An initiative supported by the TUI Care Foundation's 'TUI Cares' programme is reviving this cultural heritage, creating jobs and introducing the region's signature wines to holidaymakers.

Working with expert advisors from Futouris, a German non-profit organisation, and the workers of the local charity Grevislan, farmer Miquel Angel Robayna is now on their second harvest producing organic grape varieties through traditional techniques. He and other farmers are being empowered through the development of new distribution channels to hotels and restaurants, with a view to making traditional grape-cultivation more attractive and productive. Hotel staff are being trained in the history of local winemaking and how to encourage the consumption of local products among visitors. Holidaymakers will be able to taste the wines in a range of hotels in the region as well as taking interactive excursions to the vineyards and attending special events.

In addition, as part of the project, people with disabilities will find jobs and work together with wine producers on their lands.

Thomas Ellerbeck, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the TUI Care Foundation, explains: “This initiative combines the environmental, social and cultural aspects of sustainability in a very special way.  Highly motivated local people with disabilities find new ways to make their living while securing the unique cultivation technique in La Geria. With state-of-the-art practices for organic and sustainable winemaking, the initiative makes the century-old tradition fit for the future and helps to protect the natural environment of Lanzarote. And, together with the local farmers, an authentic experience for visitors is created.”

Klaus Guttenberger, a pioneer of organic farming in Lanzarote, supports the initiative, commenting: “The craters are unique in the world, but you have to take the wine upmarket to make it financially viable. This autumn, Miguel Angel Robayna is harvesting organic grapes in La Garia for the second time and producing premium wines that can command a price tag to support the production. The locally common sweet Malvasia Volcanica grapes, along with fruity Listan Blanco, Listan Negro and Muscat varieties, have been growing in the fields for generations. Conservation and agriculture both have a part to play and the ultimate goal is to protect the landscape with the people in it, not drive people out.”

The ´TUI Cares´ programme aims to improve livelihoods through local sourcing, create cultural experiences for holidaymakers and open up opportunities for entrepreneurs in holiday destinations. Though this programme, the TUI Care Foundation aims to enhance 10,000 local livelihoods by 2020. Projects are also currently in place in Jamaica, Greece, Morocco and Turkey. 

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For more information contact pressofficeuk@tui.co.uk or call 01582 642100.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

TUI Care Foundation

Building on the potential of tourism as a force for good, the TUI Care Foundation supports and initiates partnerships and projects which create new opportunities for the young generation and contribute to thriving destinations all over the world. Connecting holidaymakers to good causes, the TUI Care Foundation fosters education and training initiatives to open up new opportunities and perspectives for young people, the protection of the natural environment in holiday destinations and sustainable livelihoods in thriving destinations where local communities can benefit even more from tourism.

TUI Care Foundation works global and acts local - it builds on strong partnerships with local and international organisations to create meaningful and long lasting impact. The charitable foundation values transparency and the efficient use of funds. Therefore, 100% of the donations go to partners and projects with all operating costs of the foundation covered by TUI. TUI Care Foundation was founded by TUI, the world's leading tourism business, and is based in the Netherlands.

TUI Group

TUI Group is the world's number one integrated tourism group operating in around 180 destinations worldwide. The company is domiciled in Germany. TUI Group's share is listed in the FTSE 100 index, the leading index of the London Stock Exchange and in the German open market. In financial year 2016/17, TUI Group recorded turnover of €18.5bn and an operating result of €1.102bn. The Group employs 67,000 people in more than 100 countries.

TUI offers its 20 million customers comprehensive services from a single source. It covers the entire touristic value chain under one roof. This comprises leading tour operator brands and 1,600 travel agencies in Europe, five European airlines with around 150 modern medium and long-haul aircraft, more than 300 Group-owned hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU and Robinson. With cruise ships ranging from the MS Europa and MS Europa 2 luxury class vessels to the “Mein Schiff” fleet of TUI Cruises and the vessels of Marella Cruises in the UK, TUI is also strongly positioned in the growing cruise sector.

Global responsibility for sustainable economic, ecological and social activity is a key feature of our corporate culture. The TUI Care Foundation builds on the potential of tourism as a force for good by initiating projects that create new opportunities for the next generation and contribute to thriving destinations all over the world.

TUI UK & Ireland

TUI UK and Ireland, part of TUI Group, is the business behind the TUI, First Choice and Marella Cruises brands, as well as Crystal Ski Holidays and TUI Lakes & Mountains. Sub brands include TUI Sensatori, TUI Family Life, TUI Sensimar, First Choice Holiday Villages and SplashWorld Resorts.

Its airline, TUI Airways – formerly Thomson Airways – has 64 aircraft operating to over 70 destinations in 30 countries. It was the first airline in the UK to take delivery of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner and in 2018 will welcome new 737 MAXs to its fleet.  

TUI UK and Ireland has a team of more than 10,000 employees and serves over six million customers each year.