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Media Center

VARIETY CRUISES LAUNCHES A CHARITABLE PROGRAM, DONATING A SCHOOL IN GAMBIA/WEST AFRICA

New York (September 7, 2011)

Variety Cruises announces a philanthropic initiative, the Lamin Koto School Project. The project will build a new four-classroom school in a village on the Gambia River, a stop of Variety Cruises’ Rivers of West Africa itinerary. Variety Cruises, known for its experiential and culturally enriching itineraries, is committed to supporting local communities where their intimate ships travel.

The Lamin Koto School Project will improve the schooling conditions and lives of 100 children from Lamin Koto and four neighboring villages, providing them with a new school to open in February 2012, and a safe and inspiring environment in which to learn. The project is funded by Variety Cruises and donations by passengers, who are also encouraged to donate. As guests of the Lamin Koto village, passengers have the opportunity to meet the children they are helping, see the progress of the project and how their contributions are making a difference in school supplies, books and clothing.

Variety Cruises first ventured into Lamin Koto in December 2010 on its new Rivers of West Africa cruise. Joyous, strong and welcoming, the village left a lasting impression on the company’s leaders and Lamin Koto is now a permanent fixture on the cruise itinerary.

“We recognize how important it is to not only give back to communities in which our cruises travel, but to proactively help in their growth” said Yiannis Vontas, senior partner and executive vice president development & marketing for Variety Cruises. “The Lamin Koto School Project is a small tribute to the village’s gracious people, who needed our help to improve the schooling facilities”.

In addition, The African Travel Association honored Variety Cruises with the Green Award in 2011 for bringing ecological sustainable tourism to the region. Variety Cruises’ Rivers of West Africa program is a seven night journey aboard the 23 cabin Pegasus mega yacht, winding through the Saloun and Gambia Rivers. The itinerary offers exceptional experiences with the area’s deep-rooted culture, incorporating visits to fishing villages, markets and national park reserves.

posted on Tuesday 20 September 2011

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