Real World Travel is delighted to announce that Asia specialist Tony Champion has joined the Real World team.  Tony will develop and head up the newly launched Real Asia programme.

Real World Travel also comprises safari specialist Real Africa, which has been established for 17 years, Real Americas, which offers tailor-made travel to North and South America and the Real World Store which sells select merchandise in aid of conservation charities. Underpinning all Real World journeys is a commitment to responsible travel and wildlife conservation.

Real Asia

Tony Champion brings a wealth of experience to the Asia programme with more than 30 years' experience in tailor-made travel. For 16 years he ran the Far East specialist tour company 'Magic of the Orient' which he sold to the First Choice Group. Magic of the Orient was the first company in the UK to offer tailor-made holidays to Borneo and the first to offer self-drive in Thailand.

Tony specialises in South East Asia and Sri Lanka with his particular passion being Indochina. His last visit took him to southern Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. His favourite place in Vietnam (so far) is Hoi An and he is looking forward to his third visit there which, he says, “cannot come soon enough.”

Tony joins an incredibly experienced small team.  Lily Appleby Newby who has been with Real World Travel since 2009, has vast worldwide travel experience, organising tailored trips across the globe. In Asia Lily has personally travelled to India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Japan. This month she will be returning to India in search of one horned rhinos in Assam, a visit that has very much been inspired by the tour operator's ongoing partnership with charity Save the Rhino International, which works to conserve all five species of rhino.

Real World offers across all its programmes genuine expertise from individuals with in depth knowledge built up over years working in the travel industry.  They have an enduring passion for travel. For any clients wishing to travel to Nepal and Tibet, Managing Director, Robert Ferguson is on hand to personally advise. Robert is widely travelled across Asia and is the author of the 2017 Footprint Travel Guide to Nepal, offering expert, up to date knowledge of the country. Rob's career in travel started as a Himalaya mountain guide and it was during this time that he says his love of Africa was kindled with climbing and trekking trips leading him to other countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho and South Africa.

Real World ethos

Sara White, Marketing Director is keen to point out, “Our Real World journeys are crafted with the same trademark care and attention as our Real Africa safaris. They're the holidays we recommend to our friends, and in the style of travel we all enjoy with our own families.”

She goes on to say, “ It's not about competing with high street agents – we're staying true to our roots – small and niche with conservation at the core of our ethos. We offer characterful places to stay, visits to out of the way places and wonderful wildlife encounters. You won't find us offering elephant back tours or anything that exploits wildlife. You will find us offering visits to interesting conservation projects and community initiatives.”

 “We want to deliver an incredible holiday,  of course,  while also recognising and embracing our ability to be a force for good. Ultimately it is this positive relationship between tourism and conservation which drives us on.”

Explore Real World here.