Intrepid Travel charts impactful rise in sustainable tourism
A global name in adventure tourism, Intrepid Travel welcomed its Founder and Chairman, Darrell Wade, on March 27, 2024, in New Delhi. The event highlighted Intrepid Travel’s growth strategy for 2030, emphasising the significance of India as a key travel destination. The company reiterated its commitment to responsible travel practices and its dedication to shaping a sustainable tourism landscape in India, aligning with its long-term business objectives.
With a legacy of over 30 years in providing sustainable experiential travel opportunities to remarkable destinations, Intrepid Travel's core mission revolves around fostering positive change through the transformative power of travel. With a network of DMCs in 26 countries, Intrepid Travel ensures unparalleled local expertise in crafting over 1,150 meticulously curated immersive travel experiences. Notable milestones include achieving carbon neutrality in 2018, solidifying its position as the largest travel company to obtain B-Corp certification, and being recognised as the first tour operator to establish science-based climate targets through its Science Based Targets Initiative.
Darell, based in Australia, is travelling to all 27 country offices this year to present Intrepid's 2030 Strategy to the team and stakeholders. He said, “Travel is now more about curiosity and exploration than ticking a checklist. This shift is particularly crucial for India, given its rapid growth as it transitions from religious to leisure tourism, mirroring global trends. We are exploring opportunities in both outbound and domestic travel sectors in India, though significant changes may take time.”
Commenting on the growth trajectory of Intrepid, Darell highlighted, “We have seen a remarkable scale of growth. In our first year, we had 47 travellers; now, it is over 330,000, and we project to reach 600,000 by 2030. We have evolved from niche to semi-mainstream as clients seek more authentic, immersive experiences.” He concluded by saying, “We
aim to promote exploration beyond typical tourist spots, addressing over-tourism issues. By showcasing lesser-known destinations and unique experiences, we strive to attract more visitors, offering memorable experiences off the beaten path."