Bamboo was built on a cornerstone of combined experience of almost 40 years in international travel and give-back initiatives. The co-founders; Colin (49, Wellington New Zealand) and Mark (38, Cardiff, Wales, UK), share the same vision and agree it's essential that travel countries must be giving–back to the communities that they visit. This, combined with having the most eco-adventure fun possible, is the priority of all Bamboo tours. Each tour is designed around the positive impact that creates, the legacy that it leaves behind, and the way that travelers and communities work together. This is as much about cultural encounters as it is an adventure. We don't do holidays, we do experiences!
Individually Mark & Colin bring specific skill sets from brand marketing to commercial strategy, collectively they both encompass a passion for adventure travel, appreciating diverse cultures, and combating global issues from animal welfare, climate change and plastic dependency. Through these ideals, Bamboo, as we know it now, was formed in 2016. Transitioning, growing and developing to keep ahead and create a ‘fresh approach to travel’.
Hailing from small, proud, rugby nations both founders have built a bedrock on the ideologies that are intrinsic in Welsh and Kiwi culture. Strong, proud, gentle, professional, adventurous, modest, fun. With these genetic qualities, Bamboo embodies these values and using them in every essence of their business development.
Now a global brand the same small nation values continue to dictate the growth and direction of the company.
From: Bangkok, Thailand
Role: Company PA
Favourite Quote: " “Never give up, always find a way” - Me
From: Tunbridge Wells, UK
Role: Business Strategy & Development
Favourite Food: Mcdonalds
From: Chicago, IL USA
Role: Customer Journey Manager
Favourite Quote: "Stuff your eyes with wonder, he said, live as if you'd drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories" -- Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 541
From: Houston, Texas, USA
Role: Customer Journey Team Member
Favourite Quote: I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on the earth. Then I ask myself the same question. -Harun Yahya
From: Los Angeles, California, USA
Role: Customer Journey Team Member
Favourite man: Jason Mamoa
From: Wales, UK
Role: [email protected] Group Co-Founder & Journey Adviser
Favourite Food: Fish N' Chips
Role: Woof grunt woof
From: Woooooof wuf
Favourite Food: Woooooooooof
Wherever we go, whatever we do, let's make it the best it can be for everyone. Simple. A founding principle of Bamboo.
Karma (Sanskrit: कर्म; IPA: ['kərmə]; Pali: kamma) means action, work or deed;[1] it also refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual (cause) influence the future of that individual.
Bamboo Karma (Pandaish) means our actions, experiences, tours, and deeds have only a positive cause and effect! Our intent and action influence our world for the betterment of all humanity!
When drafting the founding principles of Bamboo we recognized the need for the travel industry to not only offer take–away–experiences, but to do so whilst leaving behind a positive legacy from each and every traveler. This ideology is as much a part of our organization as any other process. With Bamboo Karma, we're able to articulate our methods and express our intentions, our accomplishments and, more importantly, your part in the process.
Our karma does not only stem from a charitable foundation, it's in the heart and soul of all we do. It's in the relationships we forge with organizations, governments, and groups. It's in the eyes of a first–time explorer understanding their effect on the world. It's in the final nail in the house built by a group of our travellers, in the first sip of water drank from a well that we installed. In the beam of light, we provided through progressive and sustainable initiatives. The smiles our team have, the pride our groups feel and the love we all ooze.
Our karma is not exclusive. It's for you, for everyone and anyone willing to buy the ticket to take the ride! Our karma is your karma, is their karma.
Every person who comes through a Bamboo tour be it a traveler or team member will eventually come across our sacred words also known as the Bamboo House Rules! To consider yourself a member of the BamFam, we would not only expect you to learn these words by heart but live them by heart!
1. Love each other
2. Hold your head high
3. Laugh a lot
4. Say please and thank you
5. Never Give Up
6. No Whining
7. Be Respectful
8. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle
9. Forgive even when it is hard
10. Do what you love
11. Break the rules once in a while
'Passing the black' is a sacred code of practice for all Bamboo staff and guides! If you see a member of our team wearing the prestigious black shirt then you know you have a staff member who has passed the rigorous 3-month trial by fire aka probation! They have also recited, in public, the sacred words (above) and have shown great skill and aptitude! A proud leader of the BamFam! Rest assured when you see a black shirt you are protected, safe, and ready for the experience of a lifetime!
What is the BamFam?
"Hmmm…… It’s just one of those things nearly impossible to describe, but once you are in it, you know. Over the years of exploring, adventuring, and give–backpacking we have collected some like-minded and intrepid people along the way. Be it our award-winning Bamboo team, our inspirational give backpackers, our adventure travellers, community shop owners, local NGOs, tuk-tuk drivers, tour guides, Everest sherpas, or a Sloth called ‘Frank’ collectively we are known as the ‘BamFam’. And the best thing is, the party is ever-growing and non-stop and you, my friend, are invited….make 2020 the year you join the fam!" -The Pandas
What is the BamFam?
"Hmmm…… It’s just one of those things nearly impossible to describe, but once you are in it, you know. Over the years of exploring, adventuring, and give–backpacking we have collected some like-minded and intrepid people along the way. Be it our award-winning Bamboo team, our inspirational give backpackers, our adventure travellers, community shop owners, local NGOs, tuk-tuk drivers, tour guides, Everest sherpas, or a Sloth called ‘Frank’ collectively we are known as the ‘BamFam’. And the best thing is, the party is ever-growing and non-stop and you, my friend, are invited….make 2020 the year you join the fam!" -The Pandas
