Travel that transforms: How Abercrombie & Kent is redefining luxury while empowering communities

“Luxury travel changes with the times, but the desire to be moved, challenged, and inspired is timeless,” says Manfredi Lefebvre, Co-Chairman of Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), as he captures the essence of a company that has spent more than six decades shaping what it means to journey across the world. From pioneering safaris in Africa to curating extraordinary expeditions across all seven continents, A&K has always stood by one principle that travel should not just be a holiday, it should be transformative.

Luxury today is not about thread counts or champagne on arrival; it is about meaning, intimacy, and connection. A&K has perfected this balance by reimagining exclusivity. “Exclusivity doesn’t mean keeping people out. It means bringing travellers closer to the heart of a place in ways others cannot, whether that’s a private audience with a local expert, an after-hours museum visit, or simply the depth of knowledge our guides bring,” explains Manfredi.

This philosophy ensures that while A&K delivers rare, extraordinary experiences, they also act as stewards of the destinations they visit, ensuring local communities benefit from the presence of travellers.

Personalisation as the new standard

Talking about the future of luxury, Manfredi is quick to point out that it is “entirely personal.” Today’s travellers don’t want cookie-cutter itineraries; they want journeys that feel written just for them. Whether it’s learning a skill from an artisan, setting their own pace, or travelling with their families, personalisation has become the new definition of indulgence. While technology helps anticipate preferences, A&K continues to put human connection at the forefront. “Our specialists and guides know how to listen, adapt, and create those one-of-a-kind moments that cannot be replicated,” Manfredi says.

Interestingly, Manfredi believes that one of the most pivotal moments in the company’s long history is unfolding right now. A&K has unified all its operations under one global identity, strengthening its ability to offer both consistency and authenticity. “That duality of global consistency, local authenticity is what positions us for the future,” Manfredi notes.

The company has expanded its network of Destination Management Companies (DMCs) into regions like the Nordics, Indonesia, and Costa Rica. It has also grown its Sanctuary portfolio to include 13 safari lodges across Africa and five luxury riverboats on the Nile and Amazon. Together, these moves underscore A&K’s enduring ambition to continuously innovate and set the gold standard for luxury travel.

Why SMEs are central to the journey

Despite being a global brand, A&K has long recognised the immense power of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in shaping travel experiences. “Small businesses are often the gateway to the most memorable experiences. A&K’s itineraries feature family-run vineyards, local workshops, and community-driven restaurants, experiences that give journeys a heartbeat,” says Manfredi.

Through A&K Philanthropy (AKP), the company also supports enterprise creation, from bike shops to craft cooperatives, generating employment and nurturing talent. These partnerships enrich guest experiences and ensure economic benefits reach communities directly.

For SMEs, visibility is often the missing link between survival and success. A&K uses its itineraries to bridge that gap. “A great example is the bike shop initiative we launched more than a decade ago. It provides employment and essential mobility in underserved communities,” shares Manfredi. Similar projects, such as bead workshops, agricultural programmes, and vocational training, have been woven into guest journeys, offering both impact and authenticity.

One particularly memorable partnership is in Zambia, where guests visit a community-run bead workshop that empowers women through recycled jewellery-making. “For our guests, it’s more than shopping. It’s connecting with the makers, hearing their stories, and taking home something that represents a direct link between travel and impact,” reflects Manfredi.

A&K’s global reputation rests on high standards, and SMEs are held to the same bar. The company works closely with its DMCs to ensure that small-business partnerships remain authentic while meeting the expected level of service. Often, this collaboration uplifts the SME, equipping them for long-term success.

But beyond quality, there is also responsibility. “Responsible tourism is central to the future of travel. These relationships preserve cultural traditions, strengthen economies, and encourage environmental stewardship,” stresses Manfredi. In this sense, A&K sees travel not as an extractive act but as a cycle of shared benefit.

For SMEs trying to stand out, Manfredi advises, “Differentiate by being both adaptable and authentic.” He urges entrepreneurs to embrace new tools like AI, to explore opportunities in shoulder seasons, and to prioritise sustainability. Yet, he reminds them that innovation must always be rooted in people. “Travellers remember the guides, hosts, and storytellers. Those human connections turn a trip into a life-changing memory.”

The future is aspirational and responsible

Looking ahead, A&K aims to continue pushing boundaries, not only in where people travel but in how communities benefit. “Our role is to pioneer in a way that places communities at the centre,” Manfredi says. From small group journeys to investments in local enterprises, the company is shaping a future where luxury is both aspirational and responsible.

This commitment has been formalised through A&K’s role as a Founding Partner of WTTC’s Together in Travel initiative. Mirroring the company’s longstanding ethos of combining business with social impact through A&K Philanthropy, SME growth can flourish when it is embedded into local communities, thereby amplifying local voices, empowering local enterprises, and cultivating connections and long-term trust. A&K believes that by supporting SMEs, it collectively builds resilience, strengthening the sector’s ability to adapt, to innovate, and to contribute meaningfully to economic development.

Manfredi shares, “Becoming a Founding Partner of Together in Travel was a natural decision because SMEs are the backbone of the Travel & Tourism sector. They drive innovation, create jobs, sustain local economies, and foster cultural connections by linking communities around the world. Supporting Together in Travel reflects my deep commitment to empowering SMEs, recognising their vital role in shaping a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive global travel ecosystem.”

By uniting around this shared purpose, A&K and WTTC are championing a future where travel continues to generate opportunity, cultural discovery, and social cohesion. As Together in Travel builds momentum, A&K is proud to lend its voice, its legacy, and its global platform to ensure SMEs can thrive and lead us all toward a more connected and resilient world.

And perhaps that’s the most powerful shift of all. Luxury travel is no longer defined only by where you go or how you get there, but by the impact you leave behind. Because if travel has the power to transform us, then surely it has the power to transform the world.

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