The Alchemist Travel Foundation, the philanthropic arm of luxury travel curators Alchemist Travel, has announced a strategic partnership with the Sumba Hospitality Foundation (SHF) to enhance hospitality education for underprivileged youth in Indonesia. As part of this initiative, the foundation will sponsor a series of training programs at SHF’s hospitality school, with the first batch of industry experts arriving this month for a six-week engagement.
The collaboration aligns with Alchemist Travel’s commitment to responsible tourism, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability. The foundation donates two percent of its profits to grassroots projects that promote sustainable travel and economic development.
Jo Hendry-Prior, co-founder of Alchemist Travel, emphasized the importance of education in transforming the travel industry. “We are fundamentally passionate about changing the way people think about travel on every level, and believe that education is key to this”, she told TTG Asia. “We have always been particularly inspired by the work that SHF does”.
SHF operates a hospitality training school that equips Sumba’s underprivileged youth with skills in luxury service, sustainability, and tourism management. The foundation’s students gain hands-on experience through Maringi Sumba, an eco-resort committed to renewable energy, water recycling, and responsible hospitality practices, as well as its restaurant, Makan Dulu.
For its initial contribution, the Alchemist Travel Foundation has enlisted two industry experts to lead the training. Sophie Larrouture, an independent F&B and hospitality consultant, and Martial Facchinetti, banquet chef at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, will spend six weeks mentoring students. Facchinetti is also a member of the Goutatoo Association, which promotes quality cuisine in Switzerland.
The training will focus on sustainability-driven hospitality management, including menu development using local ingredients, food waste reduction strategies, and staff training. “They are experts in the F&B industry and will bring different expertise to Sumba”, Hendry-Prior noted. “Both are passionate about improving F&B offerings and are personally committed to sustainable growth in the sector”.
While the training is yet to commence, Alchemist Travel Foundation is already planning long-term support for SHF. “We will definitely continue working with SHF along with other initiatives that we, as a team, feel passionate about”, Hendry-Prior stated. “We have started speaking to other experts about running more training programs with SHF and have additional projects in the pipeline”.
With over 20 years in the luxury travel industry, Alchemist Travel aims to leverage its vast network of hospitality professionals to benefit smaller hotels and businesses. “We have an amazing network of experts who can impart valuable expertise”, Hendry-Prior added.
Hester Vanacker, director of SHF, expressed gratitude for the partnership. “Direct access to industry experts provides invaluable experience for our students, equipping them with the skills and confidence to build successful careers in sustainable hospitality”, he said.
This collaboration marks a significant step toward fostering sustainable hospitality education and creating opportunities for the next generation of tourism professionals in Sumba.
