About this episode
Guest BioKeith Sproule is the Executive Director of Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP), where he oversees a global portfolio of 73 community-led projects across 30 countries. With a career spanning over three decades, Keith has worked extensively in sustainable tourism and development, advising ministries and nonprofits on five continents. His expertise bridges ecotourism, conservation, and community investment — with fieldwork ranging from joint-venture tourism in Namibia with the World Wildlife Fund to strategic tourism planning in Georgia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.Keith’s background includes serving as a Fulbright Scholar in Belize, acting as a tourism lead in post-conflict regions like Kosovo and Cyprus, and holding leadership roles in international organizations such as The International Ecotourism Society and the Wild Foundation. His work consistently centers on the belief that travel can be a force for good — creating real impact through thoughtful, place-based engagement with local communities.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Keith about the deep intersection between travel, philanthropy, and lasting impact. As Executive Director of Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, Keith shares how AKP supports local communities through strategic investments in education, healthcare, job creation, and conservation — often in places that travelers may never see, but whose lives are touched by responsible tourism.Recorded in a casual coffee shop setting, the conversation dives into Keith’s personal journey — from his early travel experiences to a career spent fostering meaningful connections between travelers and the communities they visit. He offers heartfelt stories from the field, like how a simple school lunch in Uganda can spark broader community engagement, and how small-scale investments can ripple outward to create systemic change. For anyone interested in making their travel matter, Keith offers both inspiration and practical insights.Key Takeaways✓ Travel choices can have lasting, positive impacts on local communities✓ A nutritious school lunch in Uganda costs just 21 cents — and changes lives✓ Sustainable tourism is most effective when communities are active partners✓ Philanthropy isn’t innate — it’s something we can all learn and grow into✓ Authentic travel fosters compassion, curiosity, and cultural understanding✓ Long-term change comes from investing in education and healthcare✓ Collaboration amplifies efficiency and scale in global development projects✓ Personal travel stories can shape lifelong missions of service and impact✓ Even modest interventions can lead to structural improvements in communities✓ Smiles and shared moments build the human connections that matter most Learn more about
