benkeene

Described in National Geographic as “the Sergey Brin of the South Pacific,” Ben Keene’s quest in 2006 to create a new cross-cultural sustainable community on a Fijian island via an online social network captured international attention. Three years on Tribewanted and its Fijian partners have built their community, welcomed 1000 tribe members - who have each played a part in its development - and invested over $2m fj into the local economy.

Ben’s focus is on turning one island community into an international network of crosscultural tribes that closely share the local development, culture and impact with their online members and audiences, in Ben’s words: ‘there’s no reason why the best and most inspiring vacations should finish the day you go home. Tribes - people connected to one another, a leader, and an idea - can change the way we all live, for the better.’

Born and bought up in England, Ben’s mission to play a part in the mainstreaming of sustainable tourism began as he chatted to his Tanzanian guide during the decent of Mt.Kilimanjaro aged 18. Inspired by this experience Ben began to work with a young development travel company, Madventurer, whilst he was at university studying politics. Leading volunteer and overland expeditions in Africa became a full-time position upon graduation. Early in 2006, an email and a South Pacific prophecy took him to Vorovoro Island in Fiji where the search for a new tribe began. Ben has written a book and appeared in a major BBC documentary series based on Tribewanted. The project has won digital media and innovation awards and has been nominated for responsible tourism acolades. In 2009 Tribewanted’s community manager in Fiji, Tevita, was voted as one of the worlds best guides.