Giving Free and Independent Travel a Luxury Edge
Skift Take
Long-time tour operator Ker & Downey has always had a mission to get travelers to less-explored regions. Aside from bringing in tourism dollars to developing countries, the company stands out for its commitment to on-the-ground philanthropy.
Ker & Downey has its roots on distant shores. The designer of high-end, customized FIT (Free and Independent Travel) experiential tours started operations in Africa about four decades ago. It relocated to Texas in 1978, when the Botswana branch of the company was purchased. (Not to confuse things, but Ker & Downey Africa is a completely separate entity). Over the years, the Katy, Texas-based tour operator has expanded far beyond Africa to send luxury travelers on adventures, from mild to wild, around the world. Ker & Downey sells directly to consumers and also through travel agencies.
Skift spoke with Reid Bader, vice president operations and Nicky Brandon, the company’s director of marketing and sales, to get their thoughts on hot destinations, new trends in luxury FIT travel, and the importanc
