Hometown Glory
Philanthropic-geared, celebrity-beloved Katy tour operator ranked second best inU.S.
A local business has received the prestigious honor of being named to Travel + Leisure's 2011 list of the World's Best Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters.
Katy-based Ker & Downey took the second overall spot on the elite list, which was topped by eight-time-winning company Micato Safaris. The Houston Business Journal was first to report the honor.
Ker & Downey organizes safaris in the most exotic of locations, with itineraries available for regions such as Asia, East Africa, the Middle East and South Pacific. The company carries plenty of celebrity cache, counting Beyonce among its clients.
A unique aspect of the Katy firm is its dedication to philanthropic endeavors. Ker & Downey publishes a list of preferred organizations to which customers can contribute if they, too, feel as though tourism dollars do not trickle down to those who need them most.
The company also provides the option of philanthropy-based "Conservation Journeys," including participation in the The Northern Tuli Predator Project in Botswana and an elephant collaring exhibition in Zambia.
2011 marks Ker & Downey's third consecutive year on the Travel + Leisure list, with the company ranking sixth in 2010 and third in 2009.