TORONTO —The Travel Corporation (TTC) celebrated its global partnership with ME to WE at a recent industry event in Toronto that included highlights of immersive volunteer trips as well as the announcement of new African itineraries with Contiki and Trafalgar.

Samuel Kuntai Ole Tunai, Governor of Narok Country, Kenya was on hand to describe all the good that has been done in his community by ME to WE, supported by travellers participating in special itineraries through Lion World Travel, Contiki and Trafalgar Tours.

WE Charity, Co-founder and social entrepreneur, Marc Kielburger; His Excellency, Samuel Kuntai Ole Tunai, Governor of Narok Country, Kenya; Jeff Element, President of The Travel Corporation Canada.

“We don’t have the same opportunities as you do in Canada, and this is why we have tremendous respect for the ME to WE community. They have given opportunities to our rural citizens,” he said. “More than 400 classrooms have been done, and a hospital supported by doctors and nurses. Before there was loss of life because the nearest hospital was so far but now this is not the case. This is not a movie, ME to WE is saving lives.”

Several of TTC’s brands allow guests to book ME to WE Immersive Volunteer Trip extensions on set departures, or request custom ME to WE trips in Kenya, India and Ecuador. As part of the culturally immersive experience, clients stay among local communities in comfortable lodges, fully owned and operated by ME to WE.

“Many of our travellers are open to experiencing meaningful travel with unforgettable, moving experiences. We are therefore very excited to be supporting ME to WE’s outstanding immersive volunteer trips, which we will help promote with our 10,000 team members across the globe and with the involvement of our loyal travel partners globally,” said Brett Tollman, Chief Executive Officer of The Travel Corporation.

Moreover, Contiki and Trafalgar are now offering African itineraries to their lineups alongside ME to WE options following TTC’s purchase of a regional ground operator. Contiki has not been in the market for many years and is excited to be returning with additional destination options for 19-35 year-olds. For Trafalgar, its entry into Africa has been 72 years in the making.

One TTC brand that is no stranger to Africa is Lion World Travel, which has also partnered with ME to WE to provide its guests with unique opportunities to immerse themselves in local Kenyan culture. Guests can make a real difference in the community through a three-night extension.

“Kenya is recognized worldwide as one of the top destinations in the world for wildlife tourism. The Maasai Mara has an unparalleled appeal due to its iconic status as the ultimate safari destination,” said Cris David, President of Lion World Travel. “The annual migration of 1.5 million wildebeest across the Mara from June to October is the event that many travellers associate with Africa and the safari experience.”

Some of the African itineraries from Lion World Travel include:

• Kenya Exclusive Tented Safari is an 8-night luxury adventure that visits Nairobi, Amboseli Game Reserve, Samburu National Reserve and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This safari takes clients to intimate camps across Kenya where they will enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters, traditional Maasai dance, “sundowner” cocktails, and delectable dinners under the stars.
• Ultimate Kenya and Tanzania itinerary is an 8-night “best of the best” luxury vacation through East Africa’s top safari destinations. Clients will visit Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, the Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park. This adventure will have guests searching for the “big five” as they experience encounters with Africa’s dense populations of big game. Highlights include luxury accommodations include spacious tents with views of East Africa’s scenery, a special breakfast in the bush and “Just For You” cultural visits to a Maasai village and marketplace.