The Green Lion

Who is The Green Lion?

The Green Lion is a global community of tourism operators, changemakers, and travellers who believe in exploring the world with purpose. For over 25 years, we have created authentic travel and volunteer experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Unlike many travel providers that simply resell programs, we design and operate every experience ourselves, working closely with local communities to ensure meaningful impact and deep cultural connection.

The Green Lion is guided by a strong international management team with decades of combined expertise in sustainable tourism, community development, and global education travel. Together, they ensure every experience meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and social responsibility - delivering journeys that transform both travellers and the communities they engage with.

The Green Lion story

The Green Lion began in 1998 in Thailand under the name Greenway, with a simple idea: to create travel programs that truly support local communities. We started with a focus on a blend of responsible tourism and grassroots volunteer project, then quickly became known for meaningful, hands-on experiences.

As we grew into new countries, we evolved into The Green Lion, a name that reflects our bold, adventurous spirit and our commitment to positive social and environmental impact. Over the years, we expanded across Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe and the Pacific, always staying true to our family-run roots and close community connections.

Along this journey, our co-founder Leo Emmanuel initiated the Wyld Orange Foundation to ensure that giving back remains at the heart of everything we do. Through the foundation, we directly support schools, kindergartens, and animal welfare initiatives in the communities we call home. Even during challenging times, such as the global pandemic in 2020, our commitment to uplifting local communities never wavered.

Today, The Green Lion is powered by passionate teams around the world, welcoming travellers who want to explore with heart and purpose.

Our Mission

Our mission is to invest in people and communities by fostering cultural understanding, social awareness and meaningful development. We believe in changing lives on both sides — empowering travellers through transformative experiences, and supporting local communities through volunteer projects and real partnerships. At The Green Lion, we’re here to build genuine, reciprocal connections and create a positive impact that lasts long after the trip ends.

Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, our initiatives promote quality education, community well-being, responsible tourism, and environmental stewardship - ensuring that every journey with The Green Lion creates meaningful and lasting impact for both people and planet.

WYLD Orange Foundation

Wyld Orange is a not-for-profit organization of The Green Lion. Wyld Orange foundation runs community driven projects in various countries around the globe in the field of education, environment, and wellness. Our aim is to implement and enhance education, environment, and wellbeing projects across the world at the grass root level to build resilient communities.

Although it's part of the The Green Lion travel group, and work together with us on many projects, Wyld Orange Foundation is an independent, non-political and not-for-profit group set up by people from, or living in, majority world countries.

Know more of WYLD Orange Foundation

Where are we?

The Green Lion is based in Thailand and operates in over 100 destinations across 50 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe and the Pacific. In every location, our grassroots teams work closely with local people to design and run programs that are safe, meaningful and truly connected to the community. Wherever you join us, you’ll be welcomed by dedicated teams who know and love their home — and are eager to share it with you.

Who makes it all happen?

A global network of passionate local teams bring each experience to life on the ground. These local teams aren’t just staff - they’re hosts, mentors and community champions who know their home inside out and are excited to share it with you. Together, we make sure every journey is safe, meaningful and truly unforgettable.

Our Leadership Team

Behind every program is a dedicated global headquarters team, working from different corners of the world to ensure every experience runs smoothly. United by passion and purpose, our team combines international expertise, local insight, and unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional journeys and meaningful impact across all our destinations.