Khiri Pulse is our Asia travel podcast dedicated to insightful conversations about the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry in Asia and beyond. Each month we talk to interesting local experts about various topics related to tourism in Southeast Asia, so please subscribe below to make sure you don’t miss an episode!
Khiri Pulse: The Asia Travel Podcast
Khiri Pulse S2EP7: Tourism as a Force for Good - 30 Year Celebration Discussion
On this special finale episode of Khiri Pulse before we take a hiatus, we have a live recording of a panel discussion with industry giants that happened over the weekend, as part of our 30 Anniversary Celebration. On the stage were Willem Niemeijer, the founder of Khiri Travel; Dee Suvimol, the executive director of Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (or the MTCO); Chris Stafford, the founder and CEO of the Orient and Occident company; Jens Thraenhart, the CEO of Barbados Tourism, and moderated by Ken Scott, the managing director of ScottAsia Communications. To a crowded of around a hundred of our partners and suppliers, the panelists sat down and shared their enlightening views on the future of travel, responsible business approaches, and the impact of this industry, all circling around Khiri Travel’s ambition to make Tourism A Force for Good.
Khiri Pulse S2EP6: Blue Karma with Aini Wikamto and Alexa Genoyer
We continue our series of conversations with hoteliers in this episode, with Aini Wikamto, the Managing Director of Khiri Indonesia. In this episode, Aini chats with Alexa Geyoner, the founder of Blue Karma in Bali, Indonesia. Genoyer found a spiritual connection with the island after years of traveling, and with the establishment of Blue Karma, she has found endless inspiration and connection. Aini and Alexa discuss quality travel over quantity tourism, how boutique hotels are the perfect canvas for connecting with others and with nature, and how the aligning values of Khiri Travel and Blue Karma brings forth the opportunity to open minds and hearts.
Khiri Pulse S2EP5: Knai Bang Chatt Beach Resort
We continue our series of conversations with hoteliers in this episode, with John Black, manager of Khiri Laos and Cambodia, as he welcomes Jef Moons. Jef is the CEO of Knai Bang Chatt in Kep West, Cambodia. Moons arrived in Cambodia in 2003, and since then has been one of the leading investors developing properties in Kep West and reviving it as a leading tourist destination. In this episode, John and Jef discuss what makes Kep West so exciting for a new wave of tourism, bringing local arts and cuisine to the forefront, and what it takes to be an impactful leader in the sector.
Khiri Pulse S2EP4: Santani Wellness Resort and Spa
We continue our series of conversations with hoteliers in this episode, as Sri Lanka General Manager Mahiru Fernando welcomes Vickum Nawagamuwage and Udaya Wickramage to the podcast. Vickum is the founder of the multi-award-winning wellness retreat Santani, and Udaya is their Director of Sales. In this inspiring episode, the three discuss the need for revolutionizing wellness, giving meaning to travel, and repositioning Sri Lanka for the future.
Khiri Pulse S2EP3: Silver Naga Hotel, Vang Vieng
We continue our series of conversations with hoteliers in this episode and are excited to welcome the co-founder and managing director of Silver Naga Hotel, Rachel Dechaineux. Rachel has lived and worked in Laos for thirty years, and her work in hospitality is a reflection of her values: Rachel has a passion for supporting locally sourced and grown products, as well as finding sustainable and equitable terms to maintain partnerships with the local community in Vang Vieng.
Khiri Pulse S2EP2: Azerai Can Tho
We continue our series of conversations with hoteliers in this episode, and will spend the next forty minutes with Khiri Vietnam General Manager, Aaron Edgington, as he welcomes Nicolas Pillet. Nicolas is the General Manager of one of the best resorts in Southeast Asia, Azerai Can Tho in Can Tho City, Vietnam. Together, Aaron and Nicolas discuss developments in Can Tho City, the hotel’s Zero Plastic Policy, the push for longer stays, and their hopes for the industry in 2023.
Khiri Pulse S2EP1: The Siam Hotel, Bangkok
For the first episode of our second season, focusing on insider discussions between hoteliers and our regional general managers, Khiri Thailand General Manager Julien Monnerie sits down with Nick Downing. Nick is the general manager of The Siam Hotel in Bangkok, one of Khiri Thailand’s favourite hotels. On the episode, Nick and Julien discuss the hotel’s unique history, changes brought by the Covid pandemic, their favourite local spots in Bangkok, as well as the many reasons why now is the ideal time to visit Thailand.
Khiri Pulse EP9: Dining in Sri Lanka
Our last episode of this first season welcomes old friends Mahiru Fernando and Supun Goonewardene, who is the Food and Beverage manager at the Ceylon Curry Club in Sri Lanka. In this episode, Mahiru and Suphun discuss Sri Lankan cuisine, shaping young minds for a future in hospitality, and share a very special surprise at the end to wrap up the season.
Khiri Pulse EP8: Vietnam's Craft Beer Scene
In this episode, Khiri Group Marketing Manager Tim Russell welcomes Tim Scott to the podcast. Tim Scott is based in Vietnam and is the deputy CEO of Redwok, the largest restaurant group in the country that operates some of Vietnam’s most loved brands, including Bia Craft Artisan Ales. On today’s episode, Tim Russell and Tim Scott discuss Vietnam’s vibrant beer-drinking culture and the introduction of craft ales to the community
Khiri Pulse EP7: Cleaning Bangkok's Canals
In this episode, Khiri Group Marketing Manager Tim Russell welcomes the executive director of Terracycle, James Scott, to the podcast, to discuss their amazing project to clean up Bangkok’s waterways.
Khiri Pulse EP6: Sustainability & Resilience
In this episode, Khiri Founder & CEO Willem Niemeijer discusses how tourism in Southeast Asia can become more of a force for good, with Graham Harper of PATA.
Khiri Pulse EP5: Eating Like a Local in Northern Thailand
In this episode, Khiri Group Marketing Manager Tim Russell welcomes acclaimed Chiang Mai-based food writer Kay Plunkett-Hogge to discuss Northern Thai delicacies, eating like a local, and experimentations with classic favourites.
Khiri Pulse EP4: Cambodian Culinary Delights
In this episode, John Black of Khiri Cambodia welcomes Sonya Duck, the founder of Urban Forage. Together, they discuss their favourite Cambodian street snacks, sustainable cuisines of the future, and the philanthropic opportunities that can be found through food.
Khiri Pulse EP3: Sri Lanka’s Kulu Safaris
In this episode, Mahiru Fernando – Khiri Sri Lanka’s General Manager, and his guest Javana Fernando discuss the diverse Sri Lankan wildlife, the country’s national parks, and Kulu’s efforts toward sustainability and conservation.
Khiri Pulse EP2: Running in Vietnam
Nick and David discuss their shared passion for running, charity work, grabbing a pint after a race, and why it is so special to do all this in Vietnam.
Khiri Pulse EP1: Single-Use Plastics
Welcome to the first episode of Khiri Pulse. The podcast that dedicated to the inside conversation about the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries in Asia and beyond.