Latin America and Polar specialists, Chimu Adventures, have never been afraid to push a few boundaries when it comes to selling niche product and giving back to good causes.
Cast your mind to the early 2000’s and imagine a boat race in London. Over a few beers, Australian friends and seasoned travellers Chad Carey and Greg Carter are discussing their shared passion for all things Latin American yet an equal frustration for the inflexibility and lack of value in the travel modes available. They are compelled to do something about it and a lot of furious scribbling on beer mats ensues.
Back on Australian soil in 2004 and armed with a third-hand laptop in Chad’s lounge, Chimu Adventures is born. Chad and Greg reflect:
“We wanted to bring a product to the travel industry that didn’t pigeonhole the traveller into a set itinerary. Our aim was to offer exciting Latin America options based on first-hand knowledge, combined with the flexibility to suit the traveller’s needs.”
Humble beginnings…
…working day jobs and building the business by night have seen Chad and Greg transform Chimu into an AU$40m enterprise which has given thousands of traveller’s experiences perhaps they only ever perceived as a dream. Think to face the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica; catching a glimpse of a polar bear in the Arctic; feeling the chill of Patagonia’s icy winds; trekking the ancient soil of the Inca Trail or stargazing in the clearest night skies on Earth in the Atacama Desert. Experiences in destinations seen as just too off the beaten track and ‘out there’ to ever be feasible.
And the best part?
Chimu have donated over a quarter of a million dollars to multiple charities in the process. Sustainability was always part of the business plan and during the first few years, Chad and Greg gave more money to charity than they ever put in their own pockets. Recognising where support was needed in the areas in which they operate, Chimu established their own not-for-profit M.A.D Project which has facilitation in mind. It is a place where those who want to contribute to challenged communities, the environment and historical preservation can come knowing that each project within M.A.D has been researched thoroughly for its ethical and moral outcomes.
Revolution Roadshow – Travel to Change the World vision
We want to see more of this in the industry. Chimu and KARRYON have collided in an unstoppable collaboration and shared a vision to Travel to Change the World. This August, we present a roadshow like no other as we challenge the mainstream mindset. Travel agents and industry marketers are invited to join us for an educational afternoon of insights and tools so that the conversations you have with your clients can be changed for the better, forever.
You too can send more travellers on unique journeys which not only have high-profit margins but are ethical and sustainable. Hear from Chimu and KARRYON’s founders as they reveal the foundations of their niche businesses, what worked, what didn’t and how they maintained impressive profits while giving back to the planet along the way. You will gain marketing insights, look at case studies, listen to guest speakers, receive a bespoke marketing pack for your own business and earn a Travel to Change the World qualification.
It’s time to talk to the travellers you want to talk to, sell the packages you want to sell and time to give back to the planet we live in. It is time to start a travel revolution!
Register your interest HERE.
BRISBANE – Tuesday 7 August
SYDNEY – Wednesday 8 August
MELBOURNE- Wednesday 15 August
PERTH – date to be advised
ADELAIDE – date to be advised
READ: Chimu to visit the most remote destination on the planet
READ: Ethical and unique travel experiences with Chimu Adventures
Written by Frances Armitage at Chimu Adventures.
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