Richard Shatz and Alexander Hirsch conceived of Overland Travel out of a perfect union in their personal and professional interests, along with their genuine interest and care for the southwestern region of China.

Alex obtained his Masters in Tourism Administration from the George Washington University. While completing the degree, he worked for the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company and the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations.  He also participated in a consulting project in Montenegro’s Durmitor National Park for the Ministry of Tourism and the United Nations Development Program. In 2007 he began working with the World Wildlife Fund in Chengdu on a tourism development project focusing on community development around the nature reserves in northern Sichuan.

Rick first came to China in 2003 as an English teacher in Northern China, and later studied Mandarin Chinese in Beijing. In between he completed a bachelors degree in Anthropology and Archaeology from the George Washington University. Since late 2005 he has been working as a writer and editor for a leading China travel and expat website while living in Chengdu.

The idea for Overland Travel came while the two traveled together around the region and saw the countless tourism resources as well as an opportunity to enhance benefits to the local population and minimize the dangers of tourism by using sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Utilizing the combined skills and knowledge of Rick and Alex, Overland Travel seeks to achieve a healthy relationship between host communities, tourists and the environment that provides mutual benefits and valuable cultural exchanges for everyone.