In the recent long-form video interview with Travel Daily Media, Willem Niemeijer reflects on more than three decades of building travel and hospitality businesses across Asia.
He shares how his move to Thailand in 1987 evolved into founding Khiri Travel in 1993 and later establishing YAANA Ventures — all rooted in a belief that travel can go deeper than hotels and flights.
One key theme is purpose‑driven growth.
Willem explains how YAANA acts as a holding company: identifying strong ventures, supporting professional teams, and creating the systems needed to scale responsibly. He emphasises that growth isn’t just financial — it’s about culture, conservation, community and commerce.
Technology is another focus.
Willem describes how bespoke platforms such as your PMS and DMC tech were not solely about digitising operations, but about enabling field teams in remote locations to access real‑time insights, freeing managers to focus on guest experience rather than being bogged down by spreadsheets.
Sustainability also comes through strongly.
He argues that the future of tourism will belong to companies that avoid commodification, embrace visitor dispersion (not concentration), and build hospitality in places where nature, culture and community converge — like camp sites in conservation zones or deeply immersive student journeys.
He also reflects on the role of the arts and creative thinking in business:
supporting local talent, cultural collaborations and philanthropic work are not side‑projects, but part of the DNA of YAANA’s portfolio.
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