Travel and Give Back

Travel doesn’t just have to benefit those doing the travelling and at EXO, we place communities and the environment in which we operate at the forefront of our operations. 

One of the ways we ensure how we walk the talk is by making it easy and transparent for agents to identify tours that are responsible. With our destination product teams on the ground scouting experiences that make a difference, our EXO sustainability team have created five categories to assess our short tours and experiences from a responsible travel perspective, including

Carbon Friendly

Cultural Interaction

Social Impacts

Local Benefits

Make a Difference

Below we take a look at just some of the experiences and tours that are deemed exceptionally responsible, making a positive impact on the people and places visited. 

Carbon Friendly

Tours under this category involve walking, trekking, cycling or alternative forms of transportation that avoid or minimise carbon emissions, and where private motorised vehicles are used, CO2 compensation is given.

Cycling from Southern Vietnam to Angkor Wat, Cambodia — There’s nothing more carbon-friendly than relying on your own body power to get around. A 12-day cycling adventure from Saigon to Angkor Wat will provide for some experiences that most tourists miss out on.  Follow the Mekong River upstream from the heart of the delta along narrow paths, past fields of sugar cane, fruit plantations, and lush green rice paddy fields, and enjoy watching the activities of the locals and soaking in the atmosphere as you pedal along the waterways. Cycle down roads lined with Khmer temples and fascinating river scenes. Spend some time on the coast before visiting Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh and moving north to Tonlé Sap and finally Siem Reap and the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat. 

Vintage bike tour of Shanghai, China — Carbon friendly doesn’t have to mean challenging though. For a less epic cycle adventure, see Shanghai at a slower pace on a half-day cycle tour.  Travel beyond the modern skyline of Shanghai and discover the city’s rich, exotic traditions by exploring quiet labyrinthine alleys by vintage bike and witness daily life at every turn. Pedal through hidden neighborhoods and become immersed in the local culture for one morning.

Rail and Ride – Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Thailand — Many visitors to Thailand fly straight from Bangkok northwards up to Chiang Mai.  However for a more carbon-friendly approach take things at a slower pace by using train travel – and see the ancient Siamese capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai along the way, on fascinating walking and cycling tours.  Board an overnight train to Chiang Mai feeling good about your carbon emissions and having gained an insight into Thai history. 

Cycling the Mekong Delta in Vietnam
Young man and woman on bicycles, looking at map.
Sukhothai

Cultural Interaction

Tours in this category include opportunities for genuine discussion between travellers and  local people, experts and families who, in turn, benefit directly from visits by guests.

Circus and dinner experience, Siem Reap, Cambodia — Make a positive impact on a local community whilst taking in a different side of Cambodian culture – and be enchanted by an evening at Phare Cambodian Circus Show. Set up by refugees of the Khmer Rouge era, Phare promotes performing arts as a way to cope with trauma. Over the years they have not only helped hundreds of Cambodians but also helped to promote traditional Khmer culture. The hour-long show tells stories of modern life in Cambodia through a rich spectacle of song, dance and acrobatics. The performers combine traditional Khmer theatre with modern influences resulting in an entertaining and enthralling show.  The evening also includes a delicious dinner of traditional Cambodian dishes, and a chance to meet and chat with the show’s cast afterwards.

Phare Circus, Cambodia

Social Impacts

Tours under this category provide direct benefits to social businesses, training centres or other institutions deemed beneficial to local communities and people, through travellers buying local products or services.

Make a difference in Myanmar — A 16-day trip around Myanmar covers some iconic as well as lesser-known sites while leaving a positive impact on local communities and the environment. Visit traditional villages and markets and support community based tourism and projects that directly benefit the locals.  Visit a responsible elephant camp in Shan State, and for a truly unique experience visit the Burmese Star Tortoise Conservation Centre between Bagan and Mandalay. Discover the lesser-known sites of Bagan on an e-scooter, zipping past ancient ruins, traditional villages and age-old trades in an eco-friendly way, and enjoy a hands-on cooking class there. Travel by rail from Kalaw to Inle Lake and enjoy the gentle pace of travelling by train through the countryside of Myanmar. Leave the lightest carbon footprints with eco-friendly transportation where possible, and stay at responsible hotels. This is an amazing way to travel Myanmar with a heart.

Local Benefits

At least 30% of the cost of these tours goes back to local people for the improvement of their living conditions, with only EXO self-operated experiences included, as the exact amount to accrue back is known.

Orou Sapulot community adventure, Borneo, Malaysia — Discover the lesser-known side of Sabah on a community adventure, staying in Labang village in Sapulot, with the indigenous ethnic group of the Murut tribe. Sapulot is Sabah’s best kept secret and is perfect for discovering local life, villages, nature and culture. Experience the warm hospitality and partake in an adventure in the natural environment of rivers, jungles and caves that they call home. See the amazing Pungiton Caves and a multi-levelled hidden waterfall. Experience the livelihoods of the Murut tribe, and learn about the projects and initiatives to help educate and support the Murut people, driven purely by local villages. 

Making a Difference

The price of tours in this category include a donation to a non-profit organisation, which will support wildlife and biodiversity conservation, promote local arts and culture, or aid disadvantaged people. 

Sustainable Laos — Support sustainable tourism initiatives and interact with locals to understand their culture on a 9-day ‘Sustainable Laos’ experience. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, cultural tours are blended with activities designed to preserve Laos’ heritage. See family-run weaving workshops and pottery making, and support local Lao traditions by enjoying a performance of traditional dance.  Enjoy browsing for handicrafts at local markets to understand Lao culture. Visit an association working to help landmine victims and gain an in-depth understanding of the history of the Vietnam War and the lasting impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the area, as well as the efforts underway to clear them. Join socially-responsible activities by donating books and other items to a rural village in need. Take a trek to promote conservation of Laos’ natural wonders. The tour also minimizes the environmental impact of tourism by including treks, bike rides and and using local boats where possible to get around.

Street Food, Vientiane, Laos
For more information on EXO’s work on sustainable tourism visit the EXO Foundation here, or to start planning and maximising the positive impacts of your travels, contact us below! Reduce your carbon footprint – and travel with a heart!

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Myanmar

Dive into the latest from EXO Myanmar: News, travel inspiration and stories

  • Myanmar

    Dive into the latest from EXO Myanmar: News, travel inspiration and stories

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    Standing with Myanmar: EXO’s commitment to our team
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    Standing with Myanmar: EXO’s commitment to our team

    EXO Travel has been present in Myanmar since 1994, making us one of the longest established DMCs in the country. EXO Myanmar was the second EXO destination. opening just a year after our inception as Exotissimo in Vietnam. My first visit to Myanmar was in 1992, just as the country was first experimenting with opening for tourism. I will never forget the thrill of visiting somewhere that offered such a rich, extraordinary experience, like nowhere I'd been before. Myanmar, for me then, captured the essence of Southeast Asia's culture, history, and untouched beauty, along with the mysterious charm of a place that remained largely unexplored and unseen by many.  Over the years I have travelled to Myanmar many, many times and never lost that thrill.We've always been conscious of the political complexities in Myanmar. However, at EXO we believe that to truly appreciate the world, it must be experienced firsthand. We remain convinced of the transformative power of travel to dismantle barriers and cultivate mutual understanding. The advantages of fostering human connections, enhancing cultural awareness, and nurturing compassion, alongside promoting a sense of global community, make navigating these challenges worthwhile.Over the last 29-years we have facilitated travel to Myanmar for…

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    One EXO: Myanmar Talent Expands Across EXO Group
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    One EXO: Myanmar Talent Expands Across EXO Group

    Myanmar has an important part in the story of EXO. Shortly after establishing ourselves in Vietnam in ‘93, the ‘Golden Land’s’ mystique as an undiscovered destination combined with its charming people, culture and landscapes made for the perfect fit to expand our brand of pioneering travel. Launching in the country in 1995, we firmly believed that our presence in the country was important and meaningful, and that the world needed to experience the country’s incredible people and attributes firsthand to truly appreciate it. This is a belief that we still hold today alongside our team and family in the country, many of whom have been with us from the very start. With tourism in Myanmar remaining uncertain, we’ve been exploring new avenues for our Myanmar family. Their exceptional skills, passion and experience and the growing potential for remote work has enabled us to leverage their talents beyond the borders of their homeland. We’ve integrated Myanmar staff in our Thailand sales department, bolstering their experience with a recent inspection trip to Bangkok and surroundings. This trip, combined with in-person training, has equipped them with firsthand knowledge, enabling them to confidently transition to designing bespoke Thailand itineraries. Wah Wah Lwin, a member of…

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    Myanmar Reopening
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    Myanmar Reopening

    Summary of Myanmar reopening: Myanmar is technically open for travel. COVID entry regulations have loosened, especially for vaccinated travellers. However, the general political situation in Myanmar remains unstable since the change of government in February 2021. Multiple countries have issued strict travel warnings for Myanmar. In such cases, travel insurance generally does not offer coverage and is invalidated.   Please check the travel advice issued by guests' government; some embassies in Myanmar are not operating or may not have staff able to assist travellers in case a problem occurs in country. Please details regarding entry requirements below. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions at [email protected] Entry Requirements: 1)  Fill out health declaration form, which will be provided by the airline in flight, and present to authorities upon arrival. 2)  Submit proof of health insurance covering the cost of medical care in case of COVID-19 infection in Myanmar. This can either be supplied from guests' home country or purchased upon arrival. 3) Thermal Screening will be conducted by the authorities at the airport.

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    Updates From Myanmar
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    Updates From Myanmar

    Our reduced team is working from home for safety reasons. Our concern is for them, their families, and their friends. The situation in Myanmar has been completely upended since February 2021. People are caught between Covid, an undemocratic leadership, and an economy spiraling out of control with a currency having lost 60% of its value since February. A far cry from what Myanmar was from 2011 til Jan 21. Emails do come through mostly although there are frequent cuts and mobile phone signal disruptions are happening. Should you not have heard from us after allowing for the usual response time, please contact us at [email protected]. See here press references from both sides inside Myanmar to allow you to make up your own mind: The New Light of Myanmar (government),  The Irrawaddy (opposition), Frontier Myanmar (opposition), Myanmar Now (opposition) Twitter: #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar Wednesday, 4 November 2021 A former US Senator on a private humanitarian mission recently met the junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.  Further charges were raised by the military against the editor of local newspaper Frontier Myanmar, a US national detained for the past 4 months. Neither Mr. Fenster's nor Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi's lawyers are allowed to talk to the…

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    Southeast Asia For Vegetarians
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    Southeast Asia For Vegetarians

    If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you might be apprehensive about travelling Southeast Asia. While it’s true that vegetarianism isn’t that widespread in the region, you will still discover great meat-free foods in every major city. There are plenty of vegetarians in Asia, enjoying tasty plant-based cuisine – you may well be surprised at what amazing veggie eats you find.  No matter where you travel, carry around translation cards with you, study local restaurants to visit, and/or use a vegan/vegetarian translation app. VEGETARIAN TRAVEL IN VIETNAM Visiting Vietnam as a vegetarian can be tricky due mainly to the prevalence of fish sauce. Still, Vietnam has many vegetarian Buddhists who live meat-free, and vegetarian/vegan dishes aren’t hard to find. Pho chay (noodle soup with a vegetable-based broth) is one staple you can rely on. You’ll also find a tofu version of banh mi (the ubiquitous Vietnamese baguette). Dishes like goi cuon (rice paper rolls stuffed with fresh vegetables) and nom du du (papaya salad) can be found freshly made on the street and soy and rice milk are cheaply available in any corner store. In the major cities, you’ll find some fantastic vegan and vegetarian restaurants – including one that make vegan…

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    Adrift in Asia – Why Cruising is the Best Way to See the Region
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    Adrift in Asia – Why Cruising is the Best Way to See the Region

    Cruising as a tourist endeavour has truly stood the test of time and is one of the fastest growing travel sectors today.  Part of the reason for its success is the way it has diversified to meet the needs of today's more sophisticated and demanding customers. That's certainly the case in Asia where guests can indulge themselves in an amazing array of water-bound experiences on the region's rivers and seascapes. In many ways, travelling by boat is one of the most natural ways to navigate Asia. In areas such as the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, one of the most impressive stretches of water anywhere in the world, river vessels are an integral part of life. It is a similar scenario in other parts of the region such as Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. In Indonesia, meanwhile, boats are the main link between the countless islands that make up the archipelago. For guests, voyages in Asia vary wildly in scope and in style. The region's oceans brim with maritime promise. In Vietnam, karst-studded Halong Bay is arguably the nation's most compelling tourist must-see attraction. A visit to the north of the country is not complete without a trip to Halong Bay, where placid…

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    Asia for Once in a Lifetime Experiences
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    Asia for Once in a Lifetime Experiences

    Asia is a region of vivid landscapes, colourful history and myriad enthralling sights, sounds and scents, where it is easy to let the imagination run wild. From castaway lunches on paradise islands to bike rides around the ancient ruins at Angkor, Asia is endlessly generous when it comes to creating lasting memories. Yet, even in this privileged sphere, there are truly special journeys that stand out from the rest. China's epic scope and its widescreen landscapes make it a natural choice for a-once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Falling neatly into this category is the unforgettable ride on the world's highest train journey from the capital Beijing to Lhasa, the administrative, political and religious capital of Tibet.   With its blend of modern and ancient sights, Beijing makes a charismatic starting point for the journey. It is the ride itself that many would argue is the highlight. Extending nearly 2000 kilometres through some of the most spectacular landscapes in China; the line from Beijing to Lhasa rises to heights of 5072 metres above sea level and is fully deserving of its reputation as one of the greatest modern feats of engineering.  FROM BEIJING TO LHASA BY WORLD'S HIGHEST TRAIN 11 Days/ 10 Nights  Breatk-taking scenery abounds…

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    Mystical and Majestic Bagan
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    Mystical and Majestic Bagan

    There are numerous stirring sights in Southeast Asia, but few are more spectacular than the ancient city of Bagan. Located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, it is home to the densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world.  Comparisons are often drawn between Bagan and the temples of Angkor in Cambodia, but the two vast archaeological sites are very different in appearance and character. The Bagan temples are located on a large and fairly open plain, differentiating them from the ones in Cambodia, which often appear to be on the verge of being reclaimed by the jungle. During the 19th Century when Bagan was a central powerbase, it is estimated that as many as 13,000 temples and stupas once stood here. Approximately 2200 remain today, still an impressive number for any visitor to get their head around. FEATURED TRIP: BAGAN EXPLORER (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS) Be captivated by the spirituality, history and culture of Bagan. Explore the iconic temples, taking in the most famous monuments as well as many lesser-known pagodas. Then go beyond the temple zone to discover Bagan's mélange of traditional villages, beautiful landscapes and ancient customs. HIGHLIGHTS Explore Bagan's archaeological zone.…

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    EXO Explores – River Cruising & Beach Breaks, Myanmar
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    EXO Explores – River Cruising & Beach Breaks, Myanmar

    Myanmar's waterways are as integral to the country's character and soul as its golden pagodas and multitude of ethnic groupings. There are over 5000 miles of navigable river in the nation, and boat travel has traditionally been one of the main ways of getting around. These days, with domestic airlines and improvements in infrastructure making travel within the country a lot easier, the country's huge fleet of riverboats do less of a trade than in the past.  However, those with plenty of time on their hands will find that taking the watery route remains the most evocative way to appreciate the languid rhythms of Burmese life. While government ferries can be ramshackle, a number of private companies operate more luxurious itineraries on new vessels or upgraded relics from the British colonial era ranging from a day or two to over a week. The most important river in the country is the Irrawaddy, which is navigable all the way from its delta to the town of Bhamo in Kachin State during the dry season and even further in the wet season. The most popular Irrawaddy cruises take in the sights at Mandalay and Bagan while longer itineraries explore less charted, but…

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    Silver Surfers – We’re still here!
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    Silver Surfers – We’re still here!

    There's the old adage that 'age is but a number'. In travel, like many other sectors, there's a clamour for the new and sexy millennial audience. The real value however is in the maturer market where a taste for adventure has never been stronger.  Observing the current clamour for appealing to millennials, you could be forgiven for assuming that we are living in a young person’s world. In the travel industry, experts talk endlessly about how these cash-rich go-getters behave, how to reach them and how to come up with more efficient ways to entice them to spend their impressive levels of disposable income. Freshness and novelty have always provided more stimulation than comforting familiarity, so in this sense it is no surprise that marketing gurus and industry players are expending so much time and effort to dazzle millennials. However, a number of salient facts have been overlooked in the travel industry’s giddy rush to appeal to a younger demographic. For instance, what exactly is a millennial? It can seem that the obsession with creating neat boxes for people has resulted in a wildly diverse group of individuals being bundled together as a way of making sense of the world.…

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  • Myanmar

    Dive into the latest from EXO Myanmar: News, travel inspiration and stories

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People & Culture

Read about EXO's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and empowering people through travel

  • People & Culture

    Read about EXO's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and empowering people through travel

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    Japan Etiquette: Tips every traveller should know
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    Japan Etiquette: Tips every traveller should know

    The very essence that makes Japan so uniquely appealing—its deep-rooted customs and etiquette—also necessitates a level of mindfulness and respect from those who visit.Steeped in centuries of history, the country’s unique culture is endlessly fascinating but can be confusing to visitors. EXO encourages travellers to take time to understand and adhere to Japanese etiquette. It is not only a sign of respect but also is an integral part of experiencing the country and connecting with authentic Japanese culture.EXO Travel’s team is composed of local residents, guides and expats, all with a deep passion and understanding of Japanese culture. To help guests navigate this remarkable culture, EXO has prepared Responsible Travel Tips  including an overview of cultural norms. In this blog, we take a closer look at essential etiquette for travellers, highlighting areas where cultural norms are particularly pronounced. Japan travel tips When encountering a geisha or maiko, it's important to maintain a respectful distance and photography should always be approached with permission.   Partner with EXO Geisha etiquette: Respecting the artGeishas are artists and entertainers, embodying centuries of Japanese culture and tradition. And although there are ‘tourist’ performances, geishas remain an important part of the local cultural fabric. When encountering a geisha…

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    EXO’s Purpose Team expansion: Driving sustainability forward
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    EXO’s Purpose Team expansion: Driving sustainability forward

    The EXO Purpose team welcomed new members at the start of 2024, underscoring our commitment to being leaders in responsible, sustainable travel.The Purpose Team is a dynamic team working to further align EXO’s people and actions with our purpose. At the helm is EXO’s Chief Purpose Officer, Alexandra Michat, joined by Nhabhakhavhat (Joy) Kittithamavoot as Director of People and Culture, Jiriphat (Eidd) Briand as Sustainability Leader.  In the first months of 2024, we have welcomed Charlotte Piffard as EXO Foundation Leader and Mayura Buranawattanachok as Software Specialist to the core team. In addition, we have filled two new Director of People and Culture positions in Indonesia and Japan, as well as bolstering our HR team in Vietnam.  These new members bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas and embody EXO’s shared vision for a sustainable future in the travel industry. With their support, the Purpose Team and EXO are poised to set new benchmarks in 2024 and beyond. Discover more 'This meaningful role aligns my passion for adventure, with my professional knowledge and my dedication to working for good'. EXO Foundation As EXO Foundation leader, Charlotte is tasked with monitoring our support of existing projects, forging relationships with new projects and driving awareness…

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    B Corp Month: Celebrating business as a force for good
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    B Corp Month: Celebrating business as a force for good

    B Corp Month is a global campaign to raise awareness about the unique ethos of B Corps. Throughout March, the B Corp community comes together to demonstrate the power of purpose-driven business. This year, the theme of B Corp Month is ‘This way forward’, focusing on growth and impact. The campaign is highlighting how B Corps continue to evolve and make a difference in their communities and beyond. The month underscores the collective effort of B Corps in leading the way toward better business practices and a more sustainable future. Globally, more than 8,000 B Corp Certified businesses will be partaking in B Corp Month. EXO Travel kicked off the month by joining other Thailand-based B Corps for a meeting to share knowledge and discuss growing the local B Corp community. ‘It was the first gathering of Thai-based B Corp companies, and there is a strong will to keep going in that direction, encouraging further participation, interdependence and the sharing of resources where necessary, including expertise and technologies’, explains Jiraphat Briand, EXO’s Sustainability Leader. EXO's path to B Corp B Corp Month B Corporation (or ‘B Corp’) is a certification awarded to businesses that meet the highest standards of verified…

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    The B Corp difference: Understanding the meaning of certification
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    The B Corp difference: Understanding the meaning of certification

    At EXO, we have always challenged ourselves to not only excel in our work but also in our positive impact on our people, communities and the environment. To further engage our company and employees on the path to being a more sustainable, socially responsible business we have sought out relevant training paths and certifications. Through these tools, EXO has made great strides on our sustainability journey. B Corporation is one such certification. In comparison to certifications which address specific issues or sectors, B Corp stands out for its holistic and comprehensive approach to sustainable business. As well, it requires a change of the company’s legal structure to guarantee their mission is protected by taking into account purpose in addition to generating value for stakeholders. The certification is issued by a nonprofit organisation that aims to transform the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. EXO's B Corp Journey 'By pursuing B Corp certification, EXO aimed for a transformative change: uniting shareholders and employees and having them aligned with Purpose' Partner with EXO Going Beyond One of the key distinguishing features of the B Corp certification is its applicability across all sectors. From manufacturing and technology to services…

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    Cambodia’s Giant Puppet Parade: A creative community event
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    Cambodia’s Giant Puppet Parade: A creative community event

    The Giant Puppet Street Parade is a celebration of creativity and community. The annual event aims to encourage Cambodia’s youth to use their imagination and creative talents to enrich their lives.This year’s event was held on 24 February with the theme of dinosaurs.  Nine giant dinosaurs were paraded through the streets of Siem Reap by children and youth while more than 10,000 spectators cheered them on.  Music, performances and other creative activities added to the festive atmosphere.One of these giant puppets was supported by EXO, in combination with CAMDMC, a collective of DMCs working to support local, ethical events. The group contributed $2500 to provide the materials needed for the youth to build a giant Dilophosaurus dinosaur puppet.Marcel van der Zwaag, EXO Cambodia GM, explains, ‘It was amazing to see the community coming together for this event. Thousands of people were on the streets and seeing the dinosaurs with artists and musicians bringing the parade to life'. 'We love supporting such initiatives that drive and promote creativity for the local communities', he continues, 'and offer a completely different experience for all travellers that are fortunate enough to witness and participate’. EXO Foundation 'EXO loves supporting such initiatives that drive and promote creativity…

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    Travel with purpose: EXO’s Travel for Good system
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    Travel with purpose: EXO’s Travel for Good system

    At EXO, we believe sustainability is not just a trend but a necessity. And with more than 150,000 people travelling with EXO in any given year, we are uniquely positioned to make a big difference.For this reason, we continuously seek innovative ways to make travel more sustainable and to inspire our guests and the travel industry to follow suit. One such initiative is Travel for Good, EXO’s systematic framework used to evaluate the sustainability of our travel experiences and promote those that are most impactful.‘We looked at ways to motivate our team to become champions of sustainability and how we can get them to play a key role in influencing consumer behaviour’, explains Ruben Dersken, EXO’s Director of Product.‘One impactful solution we discovered was engaging travel consultants to look closely at what we are selling and to start selling more positive experiences, hotels and transportation’.   This was the genesis of Travel for Good, the cornerstone of EXO’s transformative approach to travel.   Travel for Good 'Filtering the collection of Travel for Good products makes it easy for our travel consultants and partners to identify and compare their options and make better informed choices'. Driven by purpose How does it work?Travel for Good…

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    What is a B Corporation & why are they important?
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    What is a B Corporation & why are they important?

    In November 2023, EXO Travel became a Certified B Corporation, an accomplishment that we are incredibly proud of. But what exactly is a B Corporation, and why is achieving and maintaining this certification both a significant accomplishment and an ongoing challenge?At its core, a B Corporation (or ‘B Corp’) is a certification awarded to businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. The B Corp certification is administered by B Lab, a nonprofit organisation that serves a global movement of people using business as a force for good.The ‘B’ in B Corp stands for ‘Benefit for All’. This certification signifies that a company is not just in it for the financial gains but is also deeply committed to making a positive impact on all stakeholders, including workers, communities, customers and the environment. Discover EXO's purpose EXO's B Corp journey How does a company become a Certified B Corp?The journey to becoming a Certified B Corp is rigorous, involving an in-depth assessment of the company’s impact. This comprehensive evaluation measures a company’s performance across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers.To qualify for certification, a company must…

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    EXO Foundation: A new coconut fibre road for Con Ho island
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    EXO Foundation: A new coconut fibre road for Con Ho island

    At EXO, we have always believed in travel as a force for good. This recently came to life through a meaningful project on Con Ho, a small island in the Mekong Delta.Home to only fifteen families, life on Con Ho is refreshingly simple: the residents get around on foot or by bicycle, the usual buzz of motorbikes is noticeably absent. There is no electricity, so the people rely on solar power and battery back-up. Despite the scarce resources, the people are incredibly welcoming. EXO has worked with the community to develop immersive visits, giving our guests a rare opportunity to experience rural Vietnamese life while also providing a much-needed additional income stream to the community.However this simple life comes with challenges. The island’s main road, which connects the village to the port, becomes impassable in the rainy season due to thick mud.  This hampers daily life, as the road is used by children to go to school, adults to go to the market and to access services such as medical care. Understanding the importance of this one-kilometre-long road, the EXO Foundation donated a cover made of durable coconut fibre. This sustainable solution is expected to last 5-10 years, promising a…

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    Spotlight on: Share the Wonder
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    Spotlight on: Share the Wonder

    EXO Foundation is a non-profit organisation actively supporting a wide range of grassroots programmes and sustainability initiatives.  In this blog, we spotlight one of our projects: Share the Wonder.Share the Wonder is founded on the belief that travel can be a positive force in youth development.The non-profit organisation arranges fun, educational day trips for underprivileged children in Southeast Asia. Their mission is to give these children a memorable day out and time away from their daily routine, using travel to shape young people’s lives in a meaningful way.Each trip is carefully designed to foster a greater sense of community and respect for the environment, as well as provide opportunities for participants to expand their horizons and be inspired by the people and places they visit. 'We are succeeding in creating the positive impacts we initially intended, and this would not have been possible without the EXO Foundation's support' To accomplish their goal, Share the Wonder partners with local NGOs, social enterprises and private-sector responsible travel organisations. Together they work to create a travel experience that not only benefits the participants but also has a positive ripple effect on the people and places visited.EXO Foundation, a non-profit organisation that receives funding and backing from EXO…

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    Empowering Communities: Winners from the 2023 Sustainability Awards
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    Empowering Communities: Winners from the 2023 Sustainability Awards

    EXO Foundation’s Sustainability Awards were held in September 2023. In this blog we introduce the honorees for the Empowering Communities category.Tourism has the potential to be a transformative force, not just for the travellers but also for the local population. Historically, mass tourism in Asia prioritised the visitor experiences over the needs and well-being of the local communities. This led to a form of tourism that, while lucrative, often overlooked the people it affected most directly.Thankfully, the culture of tourism is shifting and awareness is growing around the positive and negative impacts of travel. There has been, in recent years, a growing number of initiatives in Asia designed to enhance the traveller’s experience while also directly benefit local populations. By equipping residents with the skills, knowledge and resources needed, tourism can be a tool for socio-economic development. Such community-driven tourism ensures that the financial benefits trickle down to the grassroots level, providing locals with sustainable livelihoods. It also offers visitors a richer, more authentic experience, creating a win-win scenario. EXO Foundation Sustainability Awards is proud to support and promote organisations working to improve people’s lives through tourism. We are honoured to announce the following awards given for the category of ‘Empowering…

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  • People & Culture

    Read about EXO's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and empowering people through travel

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