Khiri Travel has joined The Long Run

Khiri Travel has joined The Long Run, a global community of purpose-driven tourism businesses focused on instilling positive changes worldwide. The Long Run, founded in 2009, currently consists of 73 members, primarily consisting of ecolodges, tourism experiences, and destinations from six continents. Its initiatives are driven by the four Cs: conservation, community, culture, and commerce.

Khiri Travel, a 32-year-old destination management company, holds a prominent international reputation for innovative and sustainable tourism initiatives, operating across 17 offices in eight Southeast Asian countries.

Protecting Biodiverse Landscapes

Khiri Travel aims to closely collaborate with The Long Run members, collectively protecting 23 million acres (9.3 million hectares) of biodiverse landscapes annually while supporting 130,000 people through jobs, education, and training, and investing over US$13 million in projects related to conservation, community, and culture.

“We are pleased to join The Long Run, not least because their diverse members are highly inspirational,” remarked Willem Niemeijer, the founder and CEO of Khiri Travel. “Yes, there is technical support and best practice exchange, but more importantly, The Long Run’s members collaborate to enhance sustainability standards. There is genuine enthusiasm in every endeavor they undertake.”

Khiri Reach, Khiri Travel’s charitable branch, is now advancing conservation and community projects, including seagrass planting in Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka, and providing boats to help children safely cross the Kambaniru River to attend school in Sumba Island, Indonesia.

Regenerative Travel

Inspired by The Long Run’s 4C agenda, Khiri Reach plans to introduce additional regenerative travel projects this year.

Dr. Anne-Kathrin Zschiegner, Executive Director of The Long Run, stated, “Globally, The Long Run members possess the authority and experience to advocate for regenerative travel. We welcome Khiri Travel for their commitment to responsible travel and their vast experience. We look forward to collaborating with Khiri to make significant contributions to local communities.”

Both Khiri Travel and The Long Run will participate actively in ITB Berlin from March 4-6. “We aim to lead our segment of the travel industry with clarity, vision, and conviction,” stated Dr. Zschiegner. “Together with our members, we seek to influence political discussions concerning responsible and regenerative travel.”