Khiri Travel has joined The Long Run, a global community of purpose-driven tourism businesses committed to making positive impact around the world. With its membership, the DMC will work closely with fellow members to collectively protect 23 million acres (9.3 million ha) of biodiverse landscapes, support 130,000 people through employment, education and training, and spend over US$13 million on conservation, community and culture projects.
The Long Run, which has 73 members, mostly ecolodges, tourism experiences and destinations on six continents, was founded in 2009. Its ambitions and projects are based on the four Cs: conservation, community, culture, and commerce.
“We are pleased to join The Long Run, not least because their diverse members are highly inspirational,” said Willem Niemeijer, founder and CEO of Khiri Travel. “Yes, there is technical support and best practice exchange, but more than that, The Long Run members work together, listen, learn and collaborate to elevate sustainability standards for all. There is real enthusiasm and inspiration in everything they do.”
Khiri Travel’s charitable arm, Khiri Reach, is implementing the 4Cs concept by advancing conservation and community projects such as seagrass planting in Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka and supplying boats to help children safely cross the Kambaniru River to and from school in Sumba island, Indonesia.
Khiri Reach will add more regenerative travel projects this year with the aim of improving ecosystems, communities and economies engaged in tourism.
“Around the world, The Long Run members have the authority and hard-earned experience to speak out on regenerative travel,” said Anne-Kathrin Zschiegner, executive director of The Long Run. “That’s why we welcome Khiri Travel. They bring both a passion for responsible travel but also over 30 years’ of experience.”
