Search Results forintrepid
Intrepid Foundation encourages travel professionals and travellers to give for Myanmar relief
Intrepid Travel, through its corporate social responsibility arm Intrepid Foundation, is calling upon the world to send aid to those severely impacted by the 28th March earthquake. Homes, businesses, and schools have been destroyed by the massive tremors, but responders struggle to bring aid where it matters, as many roads remain blocked and the bulk of national communication systems are down. In light of such circumstances, donations to the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal will help provide immediate emergency relief and critical assistance for the worst-hit communities in the country. Also, Intrepid will match all donations up to AU$100,00 to bring as much relief as possible to quake victims. Intrepid Travel's Mike Stewart Hitting close to home Regional general manager for Southeast Asia Mike Stewart said: "My friends and colleagues are reporting catastrophic damage in Myanmar, a country that holds a special place in my heart." Stewart lived and worked in Myanmar for a couple of years, around 2011 when it was just emerging from military rule and reopening to the world. He said: "The country's progress was palpable, and it was an exciting time to be there. But as we all know in recent years, Myanmar has slid back into violence, and the situation has become increasingly dire." Stewart pointed out that, just before the quake hit, he spoke to Intrepid's staff in the capital city Yangon. He remarked: "They were struggling with electricity blackouts lasting up to eight hours a day, and one, is also without access to water." This bleak state of affairs has been exacerbated by the destruction wrought by the disaster. Time to reach out and help As of noon on Sunday, 30th March, Myanmar's military junta has reported 1,644 fatalities due to the earthquake, 3,408 injured, and 139 missing. Biheng Zhang, general manager of the Intrepid Foundation, declared that now is the time for the global community, especially fellow professionals in the travel and tourism sectors, to step in and provide support. Zhang said: "The impact of the earthquake in Myanmar is severe. Although we're not currently travelling in Myanmar, the country continues to hold a special place in Intrepid's heart. I appeal to our global travelling community: those who've been to Myanmar in the past or who have simply visited the region. Your support at these times can bring critical aid to the thousands of families at a time they need it most." Learn more about Intrepid Foundation’s Myanmar Earthquake Appeal via https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/myanmar-earthquake-appeal. Donations may be made online through the aforementioned website.
BREAKING: The Intrepid Foundation asks for help for Myanmar
In light of the devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7that hit Myanmar and parts of Thailand on Friday, 28th March, Intrepid Foundation will match donations up to AU$100,000 to bring urgent aid to those affected by the disaster. The Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of Intrepid Travel and executives from both entities have a long and heartfelt history with Myanmar. Mike Stewart, Intrepid Travel's regional general manager for Southeast Asia, said: "The Intrepid Foundation sprung into action immediately and its Myanmar Earthquake Appeal is now raising funds for emergency aid on the ground in Myanmar. If you are in a position to donate or share, please do. The people of Myanmar need us more than ever. Your support means a lot to us and the people of Myanmar." Foundation general manager Biheng Zhang declared that now is the time for the global community, especially fellow professionals in the travel and tourism sectors, to step in and provide support. Zhang said: "The impact of the earthquake in Myanmar is severe. Although we're not currently travelling in Myanmar, the country continues to hold a special place in Intrepid's heart. I appeal to our global travelling community: those who've been to Myanmar in the past or who have simply visited the region. Your support at these times can bring critical aid to the thousands of families at a time they need it most." To know more and send assistance to the Intrepid Foundation's Myanmar Earthquake Appeal, log on to https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/myanmar-earthquake-appeal.
Sawadee Reizen is now part of Intrepid Travel
Australia’s Intrepid Travel acquired Sawadee Reizen, The Netherlands’ leading tour operator, from Travelopia on Friday, 31st January. Sawadee is one of the largest experiential tour operators in the Netherlands, delivering more than 250 trips across 100 countries through its global team of 180 people. This makes this particular milestone deal the largest in Intrepid Travel’s history and marks its debut into the European market, amplifying its drive to bring its brand of responsible small group travel to the region. Intrepid Travel’s latest acquisition is set to add $100 million in revenue, as well as up to 20,000 customers more per year. Likewise, the acquisition will boost Intrepid’s EBITDA by an extra $5 million. Both Intrepid and Sawadee achieved record financial results in 2024 and share a strong cultural alignment in their commitment to customers and their teams. Also, Sawadee has a 4.5-star rating on TrustPilot, while Intrepid has a world-leading NPS of 81.5. Working together Intrepid chief executive James Thornton said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Sawadee team to Intrepid after more than a decade working successfully together.Intrepid aims to be the world’s largest vertically integrated experiential travel company and bringing our two brands together is a major step towards that. We also both believe that travel can be a force for good in the world.” Travelopia chief executive Andy Duncan likewise expressed his optimism that this acquisition will lead to even better growth for all parties concerned. Duncan said: “Sawadee is passionate about delivering exceptional experiences for its customers, expanding horizons and connecting communities. We wish the team success and continued growth under Intrepid ownership.” Sawadee’s managing director Berend Simons also remarked: “Intrepid is a leading global travel business, with exceptionally strong values. We’re excited about the next part of the Sawadee journey and growing together. Our leading position in the Dutch market, coupled with Intrepid’s global expertise, means we will continue to deliver amazing trips for our customers and create impact for the communities we visit.” Thornton added that Sawadee will work towards becoming B Corp certified, building further on its sustainability credentials, which includes it having the highest level of Travelife certification since 2014. Intrepid has been a B Corp since 2018, achieving a score of 100+, meaning its social and environmental credentials are among the best in the world. Both Intrepid Travel and Sawadee are signatories of Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency, as well as numerous other sustainability initiatives. Moving forward Under the deal, Sawadee will continue to be led by Simons, who will report to Zina Bencheikh, Intrepid Travel managing director for EMEA. Sawadee will remain based in Amsterdam and will continue to operate with its existing name and brand, which is well-recognised in the Netherlands. It should be noted that this latest acquisition supports Intrepid’s ambitious 2030 Strategy, which aims to grow to more than $1 billion over the next five years. The acquisition also makes the Netherlands Intrepid’s fourth largest source market after Australia, the US, and the UK. Prior to the acquisition, Intrepid and Sawadee have already enjoyed a successful working partnership since 2011. Intrepid DMC operates a number of Sawadee’s trips to deliver high-quality, locally focused, immersive travel experiences, with a commitment to responsible travel.
Intrepid Travel’s James Thornton is 2024 CEO of the Year
Intrepid Travel chief executive James Thornton came away with the coveted overall CEO of the Year award at The CEO Magazine’s 2024 Executive of the Year Awards on Thursday, 14th November. The title is given to chief executives who made the most significant contributions to their respective organisations and industries, but have also made an impact on the wider Australian or even global corporate communities. Aside from the biggest award of the evening, Thornton was also hailed CEO of the Year in the awards’ Consumer & Lifestyle category. Intrepid Travel itself was named runner-up for the 100% Human at Work Award at the same event. Thornton said of the accolades: “It's a little bit surreal and an absolute honour to have been named CEO of the Year at the 2024 Executive of the Year Awards in Sydney last night. This truly is a team recognition and reflects the incredible work that our Intrepid people do every day to create positive change through the joy of travel.” He also cited fellow awardee, cricketer and philanthropist Glenn McGrath, who declared that anyone with great people and a great team can achieve great things. An impactful story of a man of impact Thornton originally joined Intrepid Travel in 2005 when he came aboard the company’s UK team as an industry sales manager. At the time, he recently turned his back on a position at a private asset management firm in London in search of a more fulfilling career. Since he took on the top post at Intrepid in 2017, he has not looked back and continues to help clients experience the transformative power of travel. Thornton is big on the aspects of connectivity and community-building involved in travel, particularly after the way the pandemic forced the world into isolation and a higher reliance on remote technologies to communicate. As he puts it: “In an increasingly isolated, artificial and disconnected world, it’s this sense of community and connectedness that our industry is in a unique position to provide. ‘The World Needs More Intrepid People’ is our strategic aspiration and our goal is to become a US$1 billion purpose-led brand.” Greater opportunities for change For Thornton, the long-term goal for Intrepid Travel is to create more opportunities for connection, impact and positive change. This is in keeping with the company’s overarching mission to create positive change through the joy of travel, and to balance purpose and profit. That said, Thornton’s unique ethos plays into all aspects of how the company conducts business. He said: “That makes us a little different, because everything is about having a purpose. We are about offering amazing experiences and that is core to everything we do; but we also have the opportunity to support positive change in the world and communities. This strong purpose was embedded by our founders 35 years ago and it’s been our north star through some of the toughest times.”
The Intrepid Foundation launches Holy City Rickshaws in Varanasi
The Intrepid Foundation announced the launch and flag-off of Holy City Rickshaws to promote sustainable travel and tourism in Varanasi. The Holy City Rickshaw company in Varanasi marks a significant milestone in Intrepid’s commitment to sustainable tourism and empowering the local community. This initiative, a collaboration between The Intrepid Foundation and ACCESS Development Services, aims to provide aspirational employment opportunities to women from low-income households in Varanasi. Intrepid is promoting eco-friendly transportation and supporting cultural preservation in one of India’s most sacred cities through this initiative. Holy City Rickshaw Program will train women to drive and maintain e-rickshaws for city tours and support them with financial and business literacy. The female-led tours will be incorporated into several of Intrepid’s India trip itineraries, providing a greener mode of transport for travellers to explore local neighbourhoods and interact with the community. The Flag-off ceremony was held at IUCTE, Sundar Bagia, Naria-BLW Road, Varanasi in the presence of eminent personalities including Rajendra Kumar Rawat, Deputy Director, Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and Prof. Prem Narayan Singh - Director, IUCTE, BHU, Varanasi and others. Also, Biheng Zhang - General Manager, The Intrepid Foundation and Rama Mahendru- Country General Manager- India, Intrepid Travel were present at the occasion. The Intrepid Foundation, Intrepid Travel's non-profit, was created in 2002 to empower travellers to give back. Connecting people and communities around the world, The Intrepid Foundation allows travellers to support impact partners in the places they’ve visited. With Intrepid operating in more than 100 countries, Intrepid is backed by local knowledge and advice, help identify where change is needed and carefully select partners in their local areas who are making that change happen. ACCESS Development Services is a national livelihoods support organization with focus on incubating innovations for sustainable livelihoods of the poor in both farm and the non-farm sectors. Rama Mahendru, Country General Manager - India at Intrepid Travel said: “The e-rickshaw initiative reflects Intrepid’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism and empowering women in the local community. The project aims to support greater female economic inclusion in India and we’re working hard to achieve balanced female tour leadership and enhance gender diversity. Today, women make up nearly 1/3 of our local team in India, and by 2025, we hope to double the number of tour leaders’ country-wide. As we move towards our goal of increasing women's participation in the tourism industry, we’re excited to continue showcasing the best of India and creating unforgettable memories for our guests.” Vipin Sharma, CEO of ACCESS Development Services said: “The Holy City Rickshaw Project seeks to accomplish a three-pillared approach. It promotes women’s economic empowerment, builds their social capital by giving women an opportunity to own a part of the company, and supports the environment through the usage of electric rickshaws. Through this programme, we hope to accomplish the Prime Minister’s vision through the Lakhpati Didi scheme, facilitating economic empowerment for underprivileged households in the city.” Biheng Zhang, General Manager of The Intrepid Foundation added: “We’re always looking for ways to create real, lasting change, and The Holy City Rickshaw project does just that. Not only will it create new opportunities for women, but it helps promote sustainable travel and tourism in the region. We know that an investment in women has benefits that flow throughout the wider community and onto the next generation, and as we look forward, I’m excited about what this initiative will bring to both the women involved and the travellers who will get to experience Varanasi through their eyes.” Headquartered in Australia, Intrepid Travel offers sustainable and immersive travel experiences across all seven continents, with a focus on enriching journeys that connect travellers with local communities.
Intrepid Travel unveils Premium India Safari’ and ‘India Expedition: Sikkim, Assam, and Nagaland’
Representative Image Intrepid Travel’s India office has unveiled tailor-made adventure packages for the North Eastern States and Central India, aiming to immerse travellers in the vibrant culture, rich heritage, and stunning wildlife of the region. The packages, dubbed ‘Premium India Safari’ and ‘India Expedition: Sikkim, Assam, and Nagaland’, are designed to draw approximately 12,000 adventure enthusiasts from around the globe to India in 2024. Each package is meticulously crafted and led by seasoned experts and tour leaders, ensuring an intimate experience for groups of 12-15 individuals. The ‘Premium India Safari’ spans 13 days, offering a unique wildlife-focused adventure that tantalises the senses with the sights, sounds, and aromas of India. Activities include a rickshaw safari through Keoladeo’s bird sanctuaries, evening boat rides, and nocturnal safaris in Satpura National Park, as well as jeep excursions through Bandhavgarh and Panna National Parks. Travellers can expect sightings of diverse wildlife, including birds, deer, flying foxes, leopards, sloth bears, monkeys, and tigers. Meanwhile, the ‘India Expedition – Sikkim, Assam & Nagaland’ extends over 16 days, venturing into the pristine wildlife reserves, breathtaking wetlands, and picturesque mountain villages of northeastern India. This expedition offers insights into the cultures of Sikkim, Assam, and Nagaland, with highlights such as exploring Kaziranga National Park to encounter the iconic one-horned rhinoceros and experiencing the scenic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. From the floating villages of Majuli Island to the extraordinary living root bridges crafted by the Khasi people, this journey unveils a lesser-known side of India. Rama Mahendru, Country General Manager-India, Intrepid Travel, expressed delight in launching these new packages, which aim to expand the company’s footprint in Central India and the North Eastern states. With a target of welcoming 12,000 travelers to India this year, Intrepid Travel ensures that each group is accompanied by knowledgeable and experienced leaders. Currently offering 800 trips in the country, Intrepid Travel is dedicated to providing authentic and immersive travel experiences that capture the essence of each destination. In 2023, Intrepid Travel hosted 7,500 travellers in India, underscoring its commitment to delivering genuine and memorable travel experiences.
TDM interviews Darrell Wade, Co-founder & Chairman, Intrepid Travel
Tune in to Darrell Wade, Co-founder & Chairman of Intrepid Travel, reflecting on their first journey in Bangkok 35 years ago and Intrepid's transformation into a responsible enterprise focused on sustaining communities, climate action, and gender equality. CHECK OUT OTHER INTERVIEWS HERE
Intrepid Travel highlights plans for the growth of tourism in India
Photo 2-(L to R) Rama Mahendru- Country General Manager- India, Intrepid Travel, Darrel Wade- Chairman & Co-Founder of Intrepid Travel and Natalie Kidd, MD Asia, Intrepid Travel. Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure tourism experience provider company organised a special visit of its founder & Chairman Darrell Wade to highlight the company’s 2030 strategy and importance of India as a destination to their plans. As part of its commitment to its global teams, Intrepid Travel’s Co-founder and Chairman, who are based in Australia, are travelling to every one of the company’s 27 country offices this year to meet with Intrepid’s team and stakeholders with the aim to introduce the company’s 2030 Strategy. Intrepid Travel- India currently employs 30 staff, 75 local trip leaders and operates 800 of trips across the country. In 2023, it supported 7500 of travellers to explore India in a conscious manner. Each product offers in-depth local expertise, and exceptional delivery. Intrepid’s local teams deliver innovative, competitive, low-risk, high-quality travel products to customers. During his visit Darrell Wade, Founder and Chairman- Intrepid Travel said: “Our goal is to increase the positive outcome of tourism on local communities by expanding our business. As a certified B Corp, with the highest standard of social and environmental performance, this remains a key priority for us in India and around the world” Beyond India, the 2030 Strategy involves a global ambition to double its global customers to 600,000 (320,000 in 2023), achieve revenues of $1.3bn ($565mil in 2023) and contribute 1% of revenue to Purpose initiatives. It plans to deepen its vertical integration to expand into areas including accommodation and grow its presence in key countries, including India, Jordan, and North America. Intrepid supports local communities is via it not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation. This has raised more than $15.5M for communities around the world since 2002. In India, the Intrepid Foundation works with Positive Change for Marine Life in Kovalam to protect our oceans and leave no trace of plastic. Intrepid believes by growing its business, it can achieve more positive outcomes for local communities from tourism. As a certified B Corp, with the highest standard of social and environmental performance, this is a key priority for the business in India and around the world.
Darrell Wade, championing Responsible Tourism announces ‘Intrepid 2030 Strategy’ in Thailand
Darrell Wade Darrell Wade, the Chair and Co-Founder of Intrepid Travel the world’s largest adventure travel company and a leader in responsible tourism has made a special visit to Thailand to highlight the company’s 2030 strategy and the importance of Thailand as a destination to their plans. As part of its commitment to its global teams, Intrepid’s co-founders and CEO, who are based in Australia, are travelling to every one of the company’s 27 country offices this year to meet with Intrepid’s team and stakeholders with the aim to introduce the company’s 2030 Strategy. Intrepid currently employs 18 staff, 40 local trip leaders and operates 22 trips across the country. In 2023, it supported almost 5,000 travellers in exploring Thailand in a conscious manner. “Darrell’s visit is a demonstration of the commitment to Thailand and the region. As Intrepid’s first destination, the company has been bringing people to Thailand for 35 years and we are every bit as committed today as when we first started,” stated Mike Stewart, General Manager, Thailand. With opportunities to interact and stay with local communities, enjoy local food and discover the real Thailand, it isn’t just the economics of supporting the tourism economy, but the positive local impact created which is at the core of Intrepid’s approach. "Through our unique style of sustainable immersive travel - both with and for the local communities - our travellers are able to experience the true beauty of Thailand, its culture and its people”, said Stewart. Long boat and rocks on railay beach in Krabi, Thailand Beyond Thailand, the 2030 Strategy involves a global ambition to double its global customers to 600,000 (320,000 in 2023), achieve revenues of $1.3bn ($621m in 2023) and contribute 1% of revenue to Purpose initiatives. It plans to deepen its vertical integration to expand into areas including accommodation and grow its presence in key countries, including Thailand. One way that Intrepid supports local communities is via its not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation. This has raised more than $15.5M for communities around the world since 2002. In 2023, the Intrepid Foundation joined forces with a local organisation, EcoThailand to engage and support the local community with education programs that teach how to maintain and improve environmental problems at a local level. EcoThailand focuses on four main areas: the environment, education, community and eco-tourism. “Our values align around the importance of influencing the views and actions of communities through education, especially of our next generation in environmental conservation”, shared Stewart. Jintamard Sinlapaprommard, Vice Director and co-founder, EcoThailand Foundation said “We thank Intrepid for its ongoing support; the environmental education and impacts on sustainability will help provide long term solutions to key issues facing us now, and in the future, in Thailand”. Intrepid believes by growing its business, it can achieve more positive outcomes for local communities from tourism. As a certified B Corp, with the highest standard of social and environmental performance, this is a key priority for the business in Thailand and around the world.
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel, Collins Street, Melbourne VIC, Australia Australia
No Event found matching your search.
Return To Home