Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) is practising an innovative form of community development by introducing guests to one of its 57 grassroots philanthropy projects as part of their next travel adventure.
According to managing director, A&K Australia, Debra Fox: ‘The future of travel is all about creating a cross-cultural dialogue that strikes a win-win balance between traveller and destination.
“Our philanthropic reach is growing every day, and more than ever we’re finding our guests really want to come with us on the journey.”
Projects include; Ilboru School houses, the first primary and secondary schools tailored to the needs of children with disabilities in Arusha, Tanzania. Or in Cambodia, where 13 per cent of all deaths are related to waterborne illnesses, A&K is constructing wells and bringing clean, bacteria-free water to families and communities.
“Our guests have a really palpable desire at the moment to know that they’re helping people, cultures and economies around the world prosper in sustainable ways,” A&K philanthropy, co-chairman, Keith Sproule, said.
“[Our guests] often report a greater sense of emotional resonance when they discover they’re going home with more than they gave, in the form of an experience that can’t be measured in dollars and cents.”
Examples of some A&K itineraries include:
- 10 day safari in style – Botswana (AU $15,130 pp) – A luxury small group journey through Botswana and traversing the wilds of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The trip features a privately guided tour of Victoria Falls and the opportunity witness the wildlife begin their day on a sunrise game drive in Chobe National Park. Finally, a visit to a Zambian Village to witness the work being done by A&K Philanthropy.
- 14 day Taj Mahal and treasures of India (AU $15,320 pp) – Journey through the Rajasthani countryside and gain a glimpse into rural life where red dunes provide a backdrop to saris. Guests can take a private sunset boat cruise on Udaipur’s Lake Pichola, behold the Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset or observe priests performing an aarti ceremony on the banks of the Holy Ganges in Varanasi. The highlight of philanthropy based experience is an exclusive talk on tiger conservation by a member of the local Pardhi community — an AKP community development partner
- 13 day Indochina adventure (AU $9,570) – From Vietnam and Laos to Cambodia, guests can experience the traditions of Southeast Asia. Rise before dawn in the ancient city of Luang Prabang, to watch saffron-clad monks taking part in the ritual of Tak Bat or discover mighty Angkor Wat with an archaeologist at sunrise, where the ancient, root-clad temples of the world’s largest religious monument will take your breath away. The key of the journey, a gastronomic adventure through Siem Reap, led by a Cambodian chef, and commune with a local family to learn about the AKP Cambodia Clean Water Project.
