YAANA Ventures and the Khiri Reach Foundation have confirmed that the 2027 edition of their charity walkathon, Steps for Impact, will take place on 30th January 2027. The annual pan-Asian fundraiser supports grassroots projects focused on improving lives, protecting nature, and fostering positive change across the region.
The travel industry is being called to participate in eleven fundraising events spread across eight countries. These initiatives will raise funds through five-kilometre walks, corporate and individual sponsorships, direct donations, and an online silent auction featuring travel products contributed by industry partners.
Walkathon Locations and Online Platform
The walkathons will be held in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Donations and auction bids will be processed through a dedicated Steps for Impact 2027 website, which is scheduled to go live in December 2026. All proceeds will be channelled through the Khiri Reach Foundation to support vetted conservation and community projects in Asia.
This year's event marks the evolution of previous charity walks and bike rides organised by YAANA Ventures in 2017, 2019, 2024, and 2026. Willem Niemeijer, co-founder and CEO of YAANA and Khiri Travel, explained: “Over the last few years, charity actions on behalf of Khiri Reach have grown bigger and more ambitious. Steps for Impact 2027 represents the coalescence of our past and future charity commitments into a new industry-inclusive annual fundraiser.”
Niemeijer is inviting travel suppliers, organisations, and corporations to get involved. Companies can choose official sponsorship packages, sponsor a team of walkers, or participate in the auction either as donors or bidders. Travel entities are encouraged to donate tourism products for the auction, which will be a key revenue stream for the event.
The initiative aligns with broader industry trends toward sustainable and community-focused travel. For example, similar community projects have been gaining traction across Asia, highlighting the growing importance of social responsibility in tourism.
YAANA Ventures, known for its boutique travel experiences in Southeast Asia, has consistently integrated philanthropy into its business model. The Khiri Reach Foundation, its non-profit arm, has supported numerous local initiatives, from wildlife protection to education and healthcare.
Travel professionals interested in participating can contact YAANA Ventures directly. The event offers a unique opportunity for companies to demonstrate corporate social responsibility while engaging with local communities in a meaningful way.
As the travel industry continues to recover and evolve, events like Steps for Impact 2027 underscore the sector's potential to drive positive change. With the support of airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators, the fundraiser aims to make a significant impact across Asia.
For more information on how to get involved, visit the Steps for Impact website when it launches in December 2026.
