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Marc Lansu and Debbie Watkins - founders
"We both had busy careers in IT and banking before our chance meeting in 2000 led to the creation of Carpe Diem Travel.
We were introduced by mutual friends while travelling independently and became involved with different voluntary projects. Over a few beers one evening came the idea to combine two aims – provide work, training and a sense of purpose to local people in need, and share the places we had seen with others.
We got married in a traditional Buddhist ceremony in Cambodia (fabulous photos on request!) and now have two wonderful children. "
Claire Seager - sales consultant
"After graduating London University with a BA Human Geography I went on to complete a Masters degree in Development Studies. I then spent some time in Chennai, southern India doing voluntary work.
I worked for the British Council in London and Singapore, during which time my husband and I opened a small eco-retreat and spent two seasons managing it. Hard work but wonderfully rewarding!
My love affair with Cambodia started in 2001 when I went there on holiday and met a little boy in an orphanage whom I continue to sponsor. We have now returned to the UK to be near family as we raise our daughter, but still make frequent trips back to Asia!"
Pove - Bookings Manager
"My full name is Komsan Kimset - but my family called me Pove, because, it means youngest child and I’m the youngest son in the family.
I was born in Battambang, the biggest rice growing province in Cambodia. I stopped studying in 2005 because my family didn’t have enough money to support me, and started working as a moto taxi driver.
That is how I met Carpe Diem - they arranged sponsorship for my English and IT studies, and since I started working for them I have continued my study and am also able to support my family."
Willemijn Wellens - Wheelchair travel specialist
"I have travelled all over the world since I was a little child. Travelling has always been my passion, getting to know different people and cultures.
After gaining a University Degree in Business Administration, I pursued a career in Conference and Event organization, until an accident in 2005 left me paraplegic. This turned my world completely upside down - but I was determined not to give up travelling.
Since the accident, I have visited a lot of continents, but the one that grabbed me the most was Cambodia. Not only the culture and surroundings are very impressive but especially the warmth and dedicated devotion of its people. "
Jasmijn van den Heiligenberg - Cambodia country manager
"After studying at Tilburg University and working as a Human Resource adviser and trainer for different organizations in the Netherlands it was time for a new challenge.
I started traveling around Asia 6 years ago and since then I have visited Nepal, Tibet, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Although all the countries have something special for me, Cambodia became a new love in my life.
Now I'm living in this great country and I can combine my love of travel with my interest in different cultures, and use my experience in people development to really make a difference. "
Andrea Osborne - Office Manager
"Although having done my degree in politics and languages I somehow ended up working in IT although separately to Debbie and Marc. It wasn’t for me and I headed off into pastures new.
I’ve lived abroad several times and love travelling although London is now my home when I’m not disappearing off to different places."
Jules Melrose - Admin & Accounting Manager
"I'm originally from Australia, but moved to the UK 18 years ago. During this time I gained administrative experience working in the arts and for financial organisations.
To stop myself being too desk-bound I have spent time travelling around South and South-East Asia, and volunteered on a rain forest conservation project in Costa Rica."
All of our tour leaders are local people and have been personally trained by us. Their knowledge and expertise helps you to get the most from your trip, while our training courses and regular team meetings allows exchange of information and ideas and encourages self-development.
Our team really feel they have grown through working for us - a number were motocycle taxi drivers when we met them and had very few prospects for the future. They all have great pride in their respective countries and are very enthusiastic about what they have learned through our training courses - not just for the improvement it can make to their jobs, but also their lives.
One said recently: " The training I have received ensures that I can make our trips informative for visitors to our country, but also that we can provide a positive contribution to the well-being of our country and its people. This is really what socially responsible tourism is about – creating a balance where everybody benefits”.
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