• WTM London attendees and exhibitors raised nearly £16,000 to fund sustainable water projects via Just a Drop
• Funds supported the construction of a sand dam in Katethya, Kenya, now providing clean water to around 1,400 residents
• A separate project improved sanitation and handwashing facilities at a school in Nicaragua, leading to better health and school attendance
• WTM London has partnered with Just a Drop since 1998 and has recently extended the successful collaboration for another four years

World Travel Market (WTM) London is celebrating the profound positive impact of its enduring partnership with the charity Just a Drop, which has successfully brought clean, safe water and improved sanitation to communities in need across the globe. Through the generosity of WTM London attendees and exhibitors in 2024, alongside a matching contribution from the event organizer, nearly £16,000 was raised. This substantial donation was instrumental in funding the construction of a sustainable sand dam in the Katethya community of Kitui County, rural Kenya.

This innovative sand dam now provides clean water for approximately 1,400 residents, enabling safe drinking, cooking, washing, and vital irrigation for crops. The dam works by efficiently capturing and naturally filtering water within sand deposits during the rainy season, ensuring a long-term, accessible water source through a nearby hand pump and well. This project is a powerful solution in the fight against chronic water scarcity in the area.

Beyond the success in Kenya, WTM London’s contributions also funded a crucial upgrade at Santa Isabela School in Nicaragua in July 2024. This initiative delivered new hygienic toilets and handwashing facilities for the school’s 28 pupils and staff, replacing inadequate sanitation systems. The project included vital hygiene and maintenance training for the community to ensure the facilities’ sustainability.

As a result, the school has experienced a significant decline in illness rates and a notable improvement in student attendance. WTM London has been a Founding Partner of Just a Drop since 1998, having collectively raised over £23,000 to fund 19 water and sanitation projects in six countries, providing safe water access to more than 12,000 people. The partnership has been extended for another four years, reaffirming the commitment of the travel industry to drive meaningful, lasting change worldwide.