Chef Karl Wilder joins Secret Street Tours board

Secret Street Tours has added Chef Karl Wilder, founder of The Chef Tours, to its board of directors in Dublin. The move links social-impact tourism and culinary tourism as the nonprofit expands its mission to train people affected by homelessness as walking tour guides. Why it matters: - The appointment connects two tourism models that both rely on local storytelling, community access and visitor authenticity. - Secret Street Tours uses guided walks to create paid work and skills training for people affected by homelessness. - The board addition could help the Dublin nonprofit broaden its reach as demand grows for experience-led and socially responsible travel. What happened: - Secret Street Tours named Chef Karl Wilder to its board of directors on June 18, 2026. - Wilder joins founder Tom Austin and board member Brian Ingarfield. - The Dublin-based nonprofit social enterprise trains people affected by homelessness to become professional walking tour guides. The details: - Wilder founded The Chef Tours, a food and cultural walking tour company. - The Chef Tours operates in Paris, Berlin, Istanbul, Seville and Mexico City. - Wilder is a former professional chef and tourism entrepreneur. - His work focuses on authentic neighbourhood experiences and direct connections between visitors and local communities. - Secret Street Tours provides training in public speaking, customer service and route development. - The organisation says that training also helps participants build confidence and independence. - Secret Street Tours says its mission is to empower people affected by homelessness through tourism, education and storytelling. - The nonprofit operates guided experiences throughout Dublin led by guides with personal experience of homelessness. - The tours cover cultural and historic landmarks and also highlight contemporary social issues and life in Dublin. - Individuals interested in supporting the organisation can learn more, book a tour or donate through the official website . Between the lines: - The board appointment reflects a wider shift in tourism toward neighbourhood-led, food-driven and socially conscious experiences. - Walking tours have become one of the fastest-growing parts of experiential tourism over the past decade. - Wilder’s background aligns with Secret Street Tours because both brands center human connection over traditional sightseeing. - Secret Street Tours also frames its work against ongoing homelessness challenges in Ireland. What’s next: - Secret Street Tours will likely use the new board appointment to support continued growth and deepen its social impact. - Wilder’s experience in culinary tourism may help the nonprofit sharpen its storytelling and visitor experience. - The organisation is positioned to benefit if more travelers keep choosing local, immersive and purpose-driven tours. The bottom line: - Secret Street Tours is betting that stronger storytelling and stronger community ties can turn tourism into both an income source and a tool for social change.