Virgin Limited Edition is appealing for funds to support relief efforts in Morocco following the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the region on Friday (8 September), forcing the closure of its Kasbah Tamadot hotel near Marrakech.
Virgin Group’s luxury hotel brand has already raised more than £114,899 for the cause thanks to 517 public donations, and has set a fundraising goal of £160,420.
Intrepid Travel, Tui and Charitable Travel have also launched their own fundraising appeals to provide support to NGO partners and tourism dependent communities in Morocco hardest hit by the quake.
MORE: How you can support earthquake relief in Morocco
More than 2,000 are known to have died in the disaster, while more than 2,400 others have been injured as a result of the earthquake, the country’s interior ministry confirmed.
The quake hit around 45 miles south of Marrakech, but was felt across other cities such as Rabat, Casablanca and Agadir and coastal resort of Essaouira.
“Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone in Morocco in the wake of the devastating earthquake that took place on Friday evening,” said Virgin Limited Edition in a statement. “We are forever grateful that all of our guests and team – both at Kasbah Tamadot [hotel] and the Eve Branson Foundation – are safe.
“We are currently assessing the impact of the earthquake on our beloved Kasbah Tamadot and we are temporarily closing the property while we inspect the damage.”
The hotel brand pledged to share further updates in due course, adding its “primary concern” was to ensure its team, their families, guests and local communities are safe.
Future Kasbah Tamadot guests are being offered the chance to stay at other Virgin Limited Edition properties including Son Bunyola, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Mahali Mzuri, Mont Rochelle, The Lodge, Necker Island, as well as Virgin Voyages’ ships.
To find out more about the Eve Branson Foundation Earthquake Relief Fund, or to contribute, head over to the dedicated Global Giving page.