Make-A-Wish International has announced a partnership with Booking.com, to help grant life-changing travel wishes for children facing critical illnesses around the world. Booking.com and Make-A-Wish will work together to create unforgettable travel experiences for eligible wish children and their families – whether it’s a magical encounter with orcas, or a relaxing family beach holiday, the partnership brings more of the world to those who need it most, creating cherished memories along the way.
Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 615,000 wishes globally, with travel remaining one of the most requested wish categories. In 2024 alone, more than 32,000 wishes were granted and with Booking.com’s support, Make-A-Wish will be able to fulfill even more travel-related wishes – bringing hope, joy, and strength to children and families during some of the most challenging moments in their lives.
Research has shown that having a wish granted can be pivotal for children with critical illnesses, boosting their emotional and physical wellbeing while providing hope and resilience for both children and their families*. For wish children, it can mean the world: a chance to escape the hospital routine, build cherished memories, and regain a sense of normalcy and joy.
To celebrate the impact of these wishes, Booking.com and Make-A-Wish will also share some of the heart-warming stories of wish children and their families on social media, highlighting the positive impact of travel wishes and the transformative power they can have.
One such wish is that of 18-year-old Isabella from Switzerland, who is in remission from Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer. Her wish was to see the Northern Lights. For Isabella, the wish symbolized hope, discovery, and the joy of sharing a once-in-a-lifetime experience with her mother and grandmother with whom she lives. In the weeks leading up to her trip, she received surprises from the Make-A-Wish team – a blue beanie and pin, a book about the Northern Lights, and a cozy sweater and tote bag – each one building her excitement and anticipation. When the time finally came, Isabella travelled with her mother and cousin to the north of Norway, where she experienced the magic of the Arctic: chasing the auroras across the night sky and enjoying breathtaking views from the cable car. Her family described the wish as “a reward for Isabella’s courage and positivity,” adding that it made her feel “seen, supported, and less alone.”
Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 615,000 wishes globally, with travel remaining one of the most requested wish categories. In 2024 alone, more than 32,000 wishes were granted and with Booking.com’s support, Make-A-Wish will be able to fulfill even more travel-related wishes – bringing hope, joy, and strength to children and families during some of the most challenging moments in their lives.
Research has shown that having a wish granted can be pivotal for children with critical illnesses, boosting their emotional and physical wellbeing while providing hope and resilience for both children and their families*. For wish children, it can mean the world: a chance to escape the hospital routine, build cherished memories, and regain a sense of normalcy and joy.
To celebrate the impact of these wishes, Booking.com and Make-A-Wish will also share some of the heart-warming stories of wish children and their families on social media, highlighting the positive impact of travel wishes and the transformative power they can have.
One such wish is that of 18-year-old Isabella from Switzerland, who is in remission from Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer. Her wish was to see the Northern Lights. For Isabella, the wish symbolized hope, discovery, and the joy of sharing a once-in-a-lifetime experience with her mother and grandmother with whom she lives. In the weeks leading up to her trip, she received surprises from the Make-A-Wish team – a blue beanie and pin, a book about the Northern Lights, and a cozy sweater and tote bag – each one building her excitement and anticipation. When the time finally came, Isabella travelled with her mother and cousin to the north of Norway, where she experienced the magic of the Arctic: chasing the auroras across the night sky and enjoying breathtaking views from the cable car. Her family described the wish as “a reward for Isabella’s courage and positivity,” adding that it made her feel “seen, supported, and less alone.”
“This new partnership with Booking.com will unlock more opportunities for us to grant transformative travel wishes to children with critical illnesses,” said Luciano Manzo, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish International. “Together, we’re opening the door to experiences that give families hope and strength when they need it most. We are thrilled to welcome Booking.com to our global community of wish-granting partners.”
Leslie Cafferty, Vice President Global Communications at Booking.com added:
“As a company that believes in the power of travel to enrich lives, we’re pleased to support Make-A-Wish in delivering these extraordinary experiences. Helping children and families connect through travel during such pivotal moments is incredibly meaningful, and we’re proud to play a role in making these life-changing wishes come true.”
To find out more about Make-A-Wish visit worldwish.org.
“As a company that believes in the power of travel to enrich lives, we’re pleased to support Make-A-Wish in delivering these extraordinary experiences. Helping children and families connect through travel during such pivotal moments is incredibly meaningful, and we’re proud to play a role in making these life-changing wishes come true.”
To find out more about Make-A-Wish visit worldwish.org.
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* Roberts, H., Cook, J., Lee, A., Loh, W. K., Teo, N., Yoong, J. S. Y., & Gorter-Stam, M. (2025). Wish-granting interventions promote positive emotions in both the short and long term in children with critical illnesses and their families. Children, 12(1), 47. https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010047
About Make-A-Wish International
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish is the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, having granted more than 615,000 wishes in nearly 50 countries worldwide. Every 25 seconds, a child is diagnosed with a critical illness and becomes eligible for a wish. Wish experiences can restore the childhood stolen by a critical illness diagnosis and improve physical, psychological and emotional well-being. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 27,000 volunteers around the globe, Make-A-Wish brings the power of a wish-come-true to children and their families when they need it most. For more information about Make-A-Wish International, visit worldwish.org.
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish is the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, having granted more than 615,000 wishes in nearly 50 countries worldwide. Every 25 seconds, a child is diagnosed with a critical illness and becomes eligible for a wish. Wish experiences can restore the childhood stolen by a critical illness diagnosis and improve physical, psychological and emotional well-being. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 27,000 volunteers around the globe, Make-A-Wish brings the power of a wish-come-true to children and their families when they need it most. For more information about Make-A-Wish International, visit worldwish.org.
About Booking.com
Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit news.booking.com.
Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit news.booking.com.
