Intrepid Travel celebrated the opening of its new 8,000-square-foot Toronto office with the “Intrepid Happy Hour Open House and Book Launch” event on January 23rd. Located near Queen and Spadina, this modern headquarters replaces the previous office just across the hall, representing a significant upgrade for the small group adventure company. The expanded workspace is tailored to host industry events and accommodate an increasingly growing team, positioning the company strategically for further investment in the Canadian travel market.
“We’re growing our teams in all departments because there is the demand. We can’t keep up with the demand,” stated Kazundra Brown, Senior Key Partnerships Manager at Intrepid. She noted that 2024 is projected to be Intrepid’s most successful year yet, with substantial growth compared to the previous year.
The event also marked the launch of The Intrepid List: 100 Uncommon Experiences to Change the Way You Travel, the company’s inaugural book that seeks to inspire travelers.
Intrepid Travel’s Ambitious Expansion in North America
The opening of the Toronto office is just one aspect of Intrepid’s broader goal of expanding its presence in North America. According to Leigh Barnes, President of the Americas, Canada is among the company’s fastest-growing markets. He expressed confidence that North America, particularly the US and Canada, will become the largest market for Intrepid Travel, shifting away from its traditional base in Australia.
Looking ahead, Barnes predicts that in three years, most bookings will originate from Canada and the USA. He elaborated on the company’s plans for growth, emphasizing an increase in holiday bookings and partnerships, as well as the development of new trips across the Americas.
Strategic Areas of Growth
- Enhanced Day Tour Investments: Moving beyond traditional multi-day tours, Intrepid aims to integrate more day tours into their offerings to increase customer engagement and frequency.
- New Accommodation Ventures: The company plans to focus on expanding its hospitality services, actively operating properties like the Daintree Ecolodge in Australia and adding others globally.
- Publishing New Travel Narratives: The launch of publishing initiatives like The Intrepid List aims to share compelling travel stories, positioning the brand as a storyteller in the travel industry.
The Role of Travel Advisors in Intrepid’s Growth Plan
Travel advisors hold a significant role in Intrepid’s expansion strategy. Barnes emphasizes the importance of not only maintaining relationships with current partners but also seeking new collaborations. “We believe we have a product that can attract all travel agents across Canada,” he remarked.
Despite a strong direct-to-consumer business model, Intrepid is committed to enhancing partner support within North America. The firm will also host travel trade events geared towards helping advisors familiarize themselves with the company’s offerings.
Spotlight on The Intrepid List
The Intrepid List is more than just a publication; it’s an integral part of Intrepid’s strategic vision. By sharing real travel stories, the book aims to connect with customers on a deeper level and fill a gap in the travel literature market. Brown commented that the book serves as an inspiration piece for travel advisors, helping them sell experiences by weaving narratives around destinations.
The book, featuring compelling stories like that of a family tradition in Pakistan feeding crocodiles, sets the stage for Intrepid’s future publishing plans which include releasing three to six travel-related books annually.
Current Travel Trends
As for current trends, Barnes noted a growing interest in destinations like Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco, with increased focus on Peru and Ecuador. Intrepid is witnessing a rise in solo travel and nature escapades, highlighting a shift towards meaningful travel experiences.
