Klook, a leading platform for travel bookings and experiences in Asia, celebrated its 10th anniversary by announcing new initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local communities.
At Klook’s ‘Kreatorverse’ event, the company shared that an independent study conducted by Oxford Economics highlights the platform’s economic impact in 2023, with bookings on its platform contributing approximately $7.2 billion to the GDP of Asia Pacific and supporting over 219,000 jobs in the region.
Ethan Lin, CEO and Co-Founder of Klook, emphasised the platform’s role in driving economic activity across the travel industry, saying, “Our first ten years have focused on building a global platform that not only enables unforgettable experiences but also supports the local communities we work with. With over 80% of our partners being small and medium businesses, we are committed to creating real economic opportunities for these communities, which are the backbone of local tourism.”
Klook CEO, Ethan Lin, at the company’s 10th anniversary event, announcing Klook’s tourism contributions
Klook also added that its influence extends beyond facilitating travel services; the platform is beneficial to the growth of sectors such as experiences, entertainment, and transportation, and the company’s ability to connect local businesses with international travellers creates a ripple effect of economic benefits.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, Klook is also committing to more sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Now a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Klook aims to promote eco-friendly initiatives in the tourism sector. The platform is partnering with local businesses to adopt new standards that emphasize environmental stewardship and animal welfare.
Eric Gnock Fah, Klook’s President and Co-Founder, noted, “Our commitment to making travel a force for good is stronger than ever. We are introducing initiatives that can shape a more inclusive, responsible, and sustainable future for tourism, fostering deeper connections between travelers and local communities while preserving cultural heritage.”
Klook’s new initiatives like the ‘Klook Assessed’ program to improve animal welfare, particularly at elephant sanctuaries, in partnership with Asian Captive Elephant Standards (ACES). Twelve elephant sanctuaries have already joined the program, with more expected to follow.
Additionally, the company is offering thousands of complimentary local tours led by experts, aimed at spotlighting cultural heritage and supporting small businesses in the tourism ecosystem.
