Asian DMC Khiri Travel has received the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification across all destinations where it operates, covering eight countries in Asia.
The certification applies to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Khiri Travel was officially certified on December 18, 2025.
The assessment was carried out by Control Union, a GSTC-accredited certification body. The audit reviewed Khiri Travel’s office practices and field operations, and included interviews with local partners and suppliers across its operating markets.
In addition to the company-wide certification, 14 Khiri Travel staff members earned the person-based GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism in 2025. The group included “Green Team” representatives from all eight countries where the company operates. The staff training formed part of Khiri Travel’s stated goal to become a fully GSTC-certified DMC by the end of 2025, which it has now achieved.
The certification adds to a year of industry recognition for Khiri Travel. In 2025, the company was named Destination Management Company of the Year at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards and received an Outstanding Achievement Award for Most Sustainable Travel Company at the TTG Travel Awards.
The GSTC pointed out: “Being certified by an Accredited Certification Body means that your tourism product or service complies with the highest social and environmental standards on the market.
“With an accredited certification, customers and buyers are assured that the business was certified in a credibly verified procedure in a transparent, impartial, and competent manner.”
Sukhum Jarangdej, sustainability coordinator at Khiri Core, said: “As a DMC, ensuring that all partners share Khiri’s commitment to sustainability is a challenge. Achieving certification shows that Khiri’s network of partners and suppliers are aligned with the company’s vision for responsible travel.”
Willem Niemeijer, chief executive and founder of Khiri Travel, added: “Certification shows that Khiri is walking the talk on making tourism a force for social and environmental good. It is proof of our commitment to upholding the four Cs of regenerative travel as defined by The Long Run: conservation, community, culture and commerce.”
