GILI BACK

SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER, KHIRI TRAVEL

South African born mother of 2, I have made my way across various countries including Israel and England before settling in Thailand 15 years ago. With a varied background including many years in F&B, scuba diving, environmental conservation, fund raising for charities and an assortment of music, festivals and corporate events, I joined Khiri Travel with the intention of bringing a fresh perspective and lots of new energy to my position as Sustainability Manager for Khiri Travel and Executive Director of Khiri Reach. From a young age I have had a real passion for conservation and a strong belief in ‘Leading Change’ – it starts with YOU! My personal belief is that it is our responsibility to start with small, simple everyday actions that eventually become 2nd nature, making it easy to add another level as we progress forward and upwards. If we each make a minor effort to improve our immediate surroundings everything would be better for everyone. Hence, sustainability must start with us; both as individuals and as accountable companies of any size, rather than only expecting governments to instrument the changes that we see are called for daily. By working closely together with the communities we live in and the places we visit, we can set up schemes that motivate and inspire, whilst demonstrating that there are alternative ways to provide income, security and local job prospects. It is imperative to do so in a manner that has long term foresight but that can begin today, as this is the only maintainable possibility if we wish to protect and save our planet and oceans and all life both on it and in it. This also helps others see the benefits of implementing smart changes and that Environmental Economics really do work, through knowledge, conservation, equal opportunity and social development. Hence, I am so proud to now be working for a company that does all that and much more…. Khiri Travel prides itself in authentic connections, adaptability, and innovation and offers intimate, personalized travel experiences. We really focus on responsible and sustainable travel through the golden lands of Angkor and Bagan, of Bangkok and Vientiane. For centuries, Southeast Asian names alone have induced an irresistible romance amongst the susceptible: Saigon, Mandalay, Phnom Penh, Rangoon, the mighty meandering Mekong. Khiri caters to any desire at any budget, from Family Travel and Regional Highlights to Community-based Tourism and Discovery Excursions (and everything in between). It is part of my mission to assist Khiri Travel to be the leading brand in sustainable, responsible tourism in Asia — and to adhere to the company’s philosophy to be champion of the triple bottom line: people, planet, profit. Khiri’s vision of “Sharing our Passion for Discovery” encompasses the company’s collective inspiration, outlook, and culture, whilst being a big supporter of people and planet ventures through its dedicated Khiri Reach non-profit arm.