Ten Khiri Travel staff, including ‘Green Team’ spokespeople across eight Asian countries, have earned the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism. Khiri Travel’s aim is to become a GSTC certified DMC by the year 2025.
The Council conducted a four week online course, followed by an examination. These qualifications were announced at the beginning of June. Those that passed include six of Khiri’s ‘Green Team’ spokespeople, two general managers, one office manager, and the sustainability coordinator at Khiri Core in head office.
The ST 2503 training course (EN) held in March and April of 2025 gave participants a deep understanding of the global sustainability standards, and how they can be applied in daily operations.
Experts Nia Klatte, Ayako Esaki and guest speakers provided operational insights. The course was delivered through the TrainingAid platform and featured interactive modules, live sessions, and technical discussions. The training will help Khiri improve its internal sustainability management systems in 18 offices across all eight Asian countries in which it operates.
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Sukhum Jarangdej is the Sustainability Coordinator at Khiri Core. She said that GSTC training had improved technical understanding, and Khiri was more prepared for certification. It also ensures that our Green Teams can lead sustainability efforts in a meaningful and measurable way, not only in theory.
Each Khiri Country Office has its Green Team. This team is comprised of volunteers that spearhead sustainability initiatives, support certification efforts and promote a culture for eco-consciousness throughout departments.
To be certified by GSTC, participants must score at least 80% in the test. This certification is based on an individual basis. It is a certification that can be kept by the recipient for the remainder of their career.
The remaining three general managers of Khiri and the newly appointed spokesperson for the green team from Vietnam will now be taking part in this training course.
Natalie van Ogtrop (pictured), the sustainability manager for Khiri’s parent company, YAANA Ventures, earned the certification earlier this year.
Willem Niemeijer the CEO of Khiri Travel, said (pictured): “The training represents an important milestone as Khiri works towards GSTC certification. We are committed the 4Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Responsible Commerce. Khiri will continue as a leader in Asia for positive-impact regenerative travel.
