The Luminaire unveils philanthropic partnership with Virgin Unite

Specialist tour operator The Luminaire has unveiled a philanthropic partnership with Virgin Unite, the independent non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group.

The tie-up will see The Luminaire donate 100% of profits from its upcoming Foundation trips to support Virgin Unite’s global initiatives, which cover three pillars: changing business for good, advancing a just society and supporting a healthy planet.

Supported projects include the Nelson Mandela-founded organisation The Elders, which champions peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable environment, and the Planetary Guardians, a collective that promotes the Planetary Boundaries concept to find solutions to protect the Earth.

Three Foundation trips are already planned for 2026 and are available to book now. They include a spiritual trek through Bhutan in September, an expedition to Everest Base Camp in October, and the operator’s second edition of the Kilimanjaro Challenge in December.

The Luminaire said each trip had been designed to “challenge the mind and body, while giving back in meaningful ways”.

“We founded The Luminaire to offer more than exceptional travel - to connect our guests with the planet, to heighten that instinct of preservation, and to keep all that is captivating about the places we share completely intact,” said The Luminaire’s founder and chief executive Adam Sebba.

“Through our partnership with Virgin Unite, we’re proud to turn these fantastic Foundation trips into engines for change. Every step taken towards Everest or across Kilimanjaro will help support courageous leaders on the frontlines of global transformation.”

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, said: “I’m really excited about this new partnership between Virgin Unite and The Luminaire. What makes this partnership so special is our shared belief that travel can be a force for good, supporting important Virgin Unite projects with every trip made."

Jean Oelwang, founding chief executive of Virgin Unite, added: “We are thrilled to partner with The Luminaire and grateful for its bold commitment to purpose-driven travel. Together, we will support extraordinary leaders like the Planetary Guardians - people who are shaping a healthier, fairer future for all life on Earth.”