How Travel Drives Meaningful Change

Travel is a quietly transformative act. To step into another culture, another landscape, another way of life, it’s impossible not to return home changed. But travel doesn’t only touch the lives of the travelers; it deeply impacts communities worldwide that open their doors to tourism. 

In fact, tourism is one of the most powerful engines of progress. In 2025, the industry contribution to global GDP was $11.6 trillion, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. Tourism provides meaningful employment, particularly for women and youth who experience low barriers to entry, sustained GDP growth in local economies, and the protection of cultural and environmental assets. 

At Kensington, we believe in the transformative effects of travel, and we see firsthand the impact of a journey beyond just your trip.  

What is Kensington Cares’ One + One Commitment? 

Kensington Cares is the philanthropic arm of Kensington. Our commitment is to ensure that every trip creates a ripple far beyond the itineraries we craft, and to inspire our clients, advisors, and trusted partners to help us make a difference. 

In 2018, Kensington introduced The 1% Promise, where with every booking made, Kensington donates 1% to support our trusted partners worldwide. These organizations do credible, lasting work in exploration and conservation, poverty alleviation, and community empowerment.  

Our clients have the option of matching this promise with their own 1% donation, doubling the positive impact of their journey. This is our One + One commitment to help make a difference for the world we all share. We know the transformative power of travel and the imprint it leaves, and Kensington Cares is our invitation for clients to amplify the impact of their trip. 

How we give is just as important as what we give, which is why every dollar donated by our clients goes directly to our partners, with no overhead costs or administration fees.

What is the Impact of The 1% Promise? 

A 1% ask might not sound like a lot, but it creates lasting change. 

For $600 raised, a young girl in Kenya’s Masai Mara, who might otherwise be married young, could receive the gift of an education. With $1,000, a new ocean species can be discovered and, because we know it exists, protected. Raising $10,000 provides a grant to an organization beyond our existing geographic footprint to help scale their positive impact in more global communities. 

How Does Kensington Cares Make a Difference? 

In 2025, Kensington travelers made a lasting difference around the world. Through donations made during the trip payment process, $141,500 USD was raised, supporting three organizations doing remarkable work across Kenya, South Africa, and the world’s oceans. 

How Are Kensington Cares Partners Selected? 

From ocean conservation and environmental preservation to youth empowerment and community education, Kensington Cares supports a growing portfolio of partners that share our vision for a better world. Our partnerships are organized around three core pillars: poverty alleviation, exploration and conservation, and culture and community.  

Every partner is carefully selected and vetted against the highest standards, assessed for meaningful impact, operational efficiency, scalability, and credible leadership.  

Kenya: Mara West Foundation 

In rural Kenya, Mara West Foundation used funds to install a rainwater catchment system now delivering 100,000 liters of clean water to the students and teachers of Kensington Hall High School for Girls, a school Kensington helped fund in 2019. A dedicated science lab, computer lab, and library are opening this year too, thanks to Kensington’s community, providing these girls the chance to broaden their future possibilities. 

“I want to thank you for saving us from early marriages through your support, and for the new computer lab and science laboratory. Now I can pursue my dreams to become an Industrial Chemist or a Nurse,” says Maria Leshila, 14, a grade 11 student at Kensington Hall.

South Africa: Giants of Africa 

In Cape Town, South Africa, traveler contributions provided court lighting for the Giants of Africa community basketball court funded by Kensington in 2025. Now, the kids who play there get a safe place to be kids after the sun goes down. 

World Ocean Conservation: Nekton 

Funds also supported Nekton’s Ocean Rising initiative, which aims to weave marine awareness into popular culture, generating attention to inspire people, begin conversations, and ultimately protect the seas we travel to see. 

How Can I Get Involved? 

At Kensington, we know the world’s most extraordinary places are worth protecting, and we have a role in bringing together our global network to do so. Our travelers can match Kensington’s 1% contribution at any point during the booking process, or even after returning home. Every dollar goes directly to our partners without overhead costs, so One + One really is greater than two. 

One journey. Double the impact. That’s what it means to travel with Kensington. 

Inspired? Donate and make a difference today.