Khiri Pulse

On this special finale episode of Khiri Pulse before we take a hiatus, we have a live recording of the panel discussion with industry giants that happened over the weekend, as part of our 30 Anniversary Celebration. On the stage were Willem Niemeijer, the founder of Khiri Travel; Dee Suvimol, the executive director of Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (or the MTCO); Chris Stafford, the founder and CEO of the Orient and Occident company; Jens Thraenhart, the CEO of Barbados Tourism, and moderated by Ken Scott, the managing director of ScottAsia Communications. To a crowd of around a hundred of our partners and suppliers, the panelists sat down and shared their enlightening views on the future of travel, responsible business approaches, and the impact of this industry, all circling around Khiri Travel’s ambition to make Tourism A Force for Good. 

We continue our series of conversations with hoteliers in this episode, with Aini Wikamto, the Managing Director of Khiri Indonesia. In this episode, Aini chats with Alexa Geyoner, the founder of Blue Karma in Bali, Indonesia. Genoyer found a spiritual connection with the island after years of traveling, and with the establishment of Blue Karma, she has found endless inspiration and connection. Aini and Alexa discuss quality travel over quantity tourism, how boutique hotels are the perfect canvas for connecting with others and with nature, and how the aligning values of Khiri Travel and Blue Karma brings forth the opportunity to open minds and hearts. 

Presented by Khiri Travel.

We continue our series of conversations with hoteliers in this episode, with John Black, manager of Khiri Laos and Cambodia, as he welcomes Jef Moons. Jef is the CEO of Knai Bang Chatt in Kep West, Cambodia. Moons arrived in Cambodia in 2003, and since then has been one of the leading investors developing properties in Kep West and reviving it as a leading tourist destination. In this episode, John and Jef discuss what makes Kep West so exciting for a new wave of tourism, bringing local arts and cuisine to the forefront, and what it takes to be an impactful leader in the sector. 

Presented by Khiri Travel.

We continue our series of conversations with hoteliers in this episode, as Sri Lanka General Manager Mahiru Fernando welcomes Vickum Nawagamuwage and Udaya Wickramage to the podcast. Vickum is the founder of the multi-award-winning wellness retreat Santani, and Udaya is their Director of Sales. In this inspiring episode, the three discuss the need for revolutionizing wellness, giving meaning to travel, and repositioning Sri Lanka for the future.

Presented by Khiri Travel.

We continue our series of conversations with hoteliers in this episode and are excited to welcome the co-founder and managing director of Silver Naga Hotel, Rachel Dechaineux. Rachel has lived and worked in Laos for thirty years, and her work in hospitality is a reflection of her values: Rachel has a passion for supporting locally sourced and grown products, as well as finding sustainable and equitable terms to maintain partnerships with the local community in Vang Vieng. With our General Manager of Khiri Laos, John Black, Rachel discusses her multiple family-run businesses, various activities to do in Vang Vieng, and the relationship with Khiri Travel based on our shared values.

Presented by Khiri Travel.

We continue our series of conversations with hoteliers in this episode, and will spend the next twenty minutes with Khiri Vietnam General Manager, Aaron Edgington,  as he welcomes Nicolas Pillet. Nicolas is the General Manager of one of the best resorts in Southeast Asia, Azerai Can Tho in Can Tho City, Vietnam. Together, Aaron and Nicolas discuss developments in Can Tho City, the hotel’s Zero Plastic Policy, the push for longer stays, and their hopes for the industry in 2023.

Presented by Khiri Travel.

For the first episode of our second season, focusing on insider discussions between hoteliers and our regional general managers, Khiri Thailand General Manager Julien Monnerie sits down with Nick Downing. Nick is the general manager of The Siam Hotel in Bangkok, one of Khiri Thailand’s favourite hotels. On the episode, Nick and Julien discuss the hotel’s unique history, changes brought by the Covid pandemic, their favourite local spots in Bangkok, as well as the many reasons why now is the ideal time to visit Thailand. 

Presented by Khiri Travel.

Our last episode of this first season welcomes old friends Mahiru Fernando and Supun Goonewardene, who is the Food and Beverage manager at the Ceylon Curry Club in Sri Lanka. In this episode, Mahiru and Supun discuss Sri Lankan cuisine, shaping young minds for a future in hospitality, and share a very special surprise at the end to wrap up the season.

Presented by Khiri Travel. 

In this episode, Khiri Group Marketing Manager, Tim Russell welcomes Tim Scott to the podcast. Tim Scott is based in Vietnam and is the deputy CEO of Redwok, the largest restaurant group in the country that operates some of Vietnam’s most loved brands, including Bia Craft Artisan Ales. On today’s episode, Tim Russell and Tim Scott discuss Vietnam’s vibrant beer-drinking culture and the introduction of craft ales to the community.

Presented by Khiri Travel. 

In this episode, Khiri Group Marketing Manager, Tim Russell welcomes the executive director of Terracycle, James Scott, to the podcast. With years of first-hand experience, James works directly with local community leaders, government officials, and recycle experts to clean up the massive volume of plastics and waste in the Thai canals. Terracycle is one of the most efficient and effective recycle and clean up programs, not only in Southeast Asia, but anywhere. On this episode, James and Tim discuss creating long-lasting solutions as well as the things that can be done everyday to help clean up the Thai waterways. Presented by Khiri Travel.

In this episode, Khiri Travel founder Willem Niemeijer welcomes Graham Harper to the podcast. Graham is the Special Advisor for Sustainability and Social Responsibility at the Pacific Asia Travel Association. Willem and Graham, individually, have multiple decades of experience in tourism and leadership. Today on the podcast, they discuss the importance of tourist dispersion in Southeast Asia, the relationship between sustainability and resilience, as well as the ways in which tourism can be an essential force for good, made evident by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Presented by Khiri Travel. 

In this episode, Khiri Group Marketing Manager, street food enthusiast, and seasoned photographer Tim Russell welcomes Kay Plunkett-Hogge to the podcast. Kay is an acclaimed food and drinks writer, born and raised in 1970s Bangkok. She is the author of multiple bestselling books and has collaborated with a handful of international household names. Together, Tim and Kay discuss Northern Thai delicacies, eating like a local, and experimentations with classic favourites. Presented by Khiri Travel.

John Black welcomes Sonya Duck, the founder of Urban Forage, to this episode of Khiri Pulse. Sonya provides curated and hand-picked food tours within Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with the hopes to help preserve traditional foods through the promotion of small, local businesses. Together, they discuss their favourite Cambodian street snacks, sustainable cuisines of the future, and the philanthropic opportunities that can be found through food. Presented by Khiri Travel. 

In this episode, Khiri Sri Lanka’s General Manager, Mahiru Fernando, welcomes Javana Fernando, who leads and operates Kulu Safaris to the podcast. They discuss the diverse Sri Lankan wildlife, the country’s national parks, and Kulu’s efforts towards sustainability and conservation. Presented by Khiri Travel.

Nick and David discuss their shared passion for running, charity work, grabbing a pint after a race, and why it is so special to do all this in Vietnam.
Presented by Khiri Travel.

Three experts discuss traveller expectations of single-use plastics in a new world of travel. Presented by Khiri Travel.