The World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage (WTACH) has welcomed Khiri Travel as a member, adding the experience of an Asia-based destination management company founded in Bangkok in 1993 to its international network.
WTACH is a not-for-profit membership organization that brings together tourism businesses, destinations, government agencies, universities, NGOs, cultural institutions, media organizations and individuals committed to responsible cultural heritage tourism.
Its central belief is simple: tourism should protect culture and heritage rather than place additional pressure on them. That mission extends beyond monuments and museums to food, language, music, craftsmanship, agriculture, ceremonies, storytelling and knowledge passed between generations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Khiri Travel to WTACH,” said Dr Scott Michael Smith, a WTACH board member. “Khiri has worked across Asia for more than 30 years, and its emphasis on local knowledge, cultural understanding and responsible travel closely reflects what WTACH stands for.”
Founded by Willem Niemeijer, Khiri Travel grew from a small Bangkok operation into a destination management company with operations across nine countries. Its work is informed by The Long Run’s established 4Cs approach, which considers Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce together.
WTACH supports ethical standards, responsible tourism policies and practical approaches to cultural heritage development. Its work includes research, education, training, destination planning, heritage interpretation, carrying-capacity assessment and approaches that help destinations retain more tourism revenue locally.
Through WTACH, members can exchange knowledge, showcase responsible practices, contribute expertise and form new collaborations. Khiri Travel has shared five examples illustrating how travel experiences can connect visitors with communities, traditions and landscapes.
Five Experiences Rooted in People and Place
Tea and Indigo in Chiang Dao, Thailand
Travellers visit a tea garden to learn how tea is cultivated and processed, then continue to a home studio for an introduction to traditional indigo dyeing and the craftsmanship behind it.
Community-Based Travel in Mai Hịch, Vietnam
In Mai Hịch, home to members of the White Thai community, visitors stay in traditional stilt houses, share locally prepared meals and take part in activities such as weaving, music and dance. The experience is designed to direct tourism benefits into the community while supporting living traditions.
Ifugao Heritage in Batad, the Philippines
The rice terraces of Batad provide the setting for an experience combining agriculture, nature and community life. Visitors learn about Ifugao rice cultivation, trek to a nearby waterfall and encounter local music, dance and traditions.
Bali Beyond the Familiar, Indonesia
Beginning at Pura Luhur Mekori in Tabanan Regency, the route passes through rice terraces, villages, bamboo forest and plantations. Encounters with farmers and artisans introduce seasonal agriculture, local produce and traditional brown-sugar making.
People, Purpose and Place in Mandalay, Myanmar
Khiri has also shared a Mandalay itinerary centred on food, family-run producers and community encounters. Given the continuing conflict and official travel warnings affecting Myanmar, any future operation or promotion of the experience should remain subject to current security conditions and applicable travel advice.
Together, the examples reflect a view of cultural tourism in which heritage is shared through the people who continue to practise and protect it.
WTACH membership is available to tourism authorities, tourism and transport companies, museums, galleries, educational institutions, NGOs, media organizations, consultants, journalists and individuals. Approved members are expected to support the association’s codes of conduct and ethical standards.
For more information, visit WTACH membership or learn more about Khiri Travel.
