Yaana Ventures takes stake in Grasshopper
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Yaana Ventures, the company formerly known as the Khiri Group, has taken a stake in Grasshopper Adventures, the Asian bicycle tour operator.
The deal was signed in Cambodia by Yaana’s CEO, Willem Niemeijer, and Grasshopper director, Adam Platt-Hepworth.
Grasshopper currently has offices in Mandalay, Bagan, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Saigon, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and operates bicycle tours in 15 Asian countries, ranging from single-day rides in Bangkok to multi-day overland cross-border journeys in Indochina and further afield, to destinations such as Bhutan, Japan and Uzbekistan. Founded in 2004, the company now handles approximately 17,000 guests per year.
The companies said the aim of the partnership is to expand Grasshopper, with Yaana supporting its new partner through investment, managerial expertise, marketing support and human resource training.
Niemeijer said that Grasshopper and Yaana had “a shared vision and belief in responsible tourism which drives a commitment to authentic local travel.”
“We were attracted to Grasshopper due to their focus on quality. This comes through in their belief in empowered ownership, frequent staff training, and their regularly renewed fleets of bicycles, all of which results in a superior guest experience,” Niemeijer added.
Platt-Hepworth commented; “Whether it’s a family with young children visiting the Mekong region, or pioneering trips to destinations such as Mongolia or Uzbekistan, we make sure guests have real and immersive experiences.”
In addition to Grasshopper Adventures, Yaana Ventures operates the Khiri Travel brands and partners with GROUND, a community development project for student and business teams, Anurak Community Lodge, the eco-resort in southern Thailand, and Banteay Chhmar Tents in Cambodia.
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