Intrepid Travel has officially expanded its global footprint by acquiring Dutch tour operator **Sawadee Reizen**, a previously Travelopia-owned entity. This strategic move enhances **Intrepid’s commitment** to experiential travel and responsible tourism.
### Exploring Sawadee’s Offerings
Based in Amsterdam, Sawadee specializes in experiential trips, providing over **250 unique tours** across more than **100 countries**. Since 2011, Sawadee and Intrepid have enjoyed a collaborative partnership, with **Intrepid DMC** coordinating many of Sawadee’s locally immersive travel experiences. This acquisition will further deepen that partnership.
### A Significant Step for Intrepid Travel
Intrepid’s CEO, **James Thornton**, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “We’re delighted to welcome the Sawadee team to Intrepid after more than a decade working successfully together.” Thornton articulated Intrepid’s ambition to become the world’s largest vertically integrated experiential travel company and believes that merging with Sawadee is a crucial advancement in this direction. Both brands share a common vision that travel can be a force for good in the world.
### Impacts on Revenue and Customer Base
The deal, finalized on **January 31**, is expected to add **USD $62 million** in revenue and attract **20,000 new customers** annually. This aligns seamlessly with Intrepid’s strategic goal of reaching **$1 billion in revenue by 2030**.
### Continuity for Sawadee
Following the acquisition, Sawadee will continue to operate under its established name and branding. **Berend Simons**, the Managing Director, will maintain his role and will report to **Zina Bencheikh**, Intrepid’s Managing Director for the EMEA region.
### Commitment to Sustainability
One of the most notable aspects of this acquisition is its focus on sustainability. Intrepid has plans for Sawadee to pursue **B Corp certification**, complementing its existing **Travelife** sustainability credentials. This initiative underscores both companies’ dedication to **responsible tourism** and **climate action** initiatives.
### Final Thoughts
This acquisition positions Intrepid Travel as a strong player in the European market for responsible small-group travel. By combining resources and philosophies, Intrepid and Sawadee are set to create a more immersive travel experience that aligns with modern values of sustainability and social responsibility. This partnership not only stands to boost profits but also reinforces a collective commitment to making travel beneficial for both individuals and communities worldwide.
