As Kiwis retain their title as Intrepid Travel’s top market per capita globally, the company has announced a plan to become one of the top three travel brands in New Zealand.
The B-corp company, which continues to grow its trade sales from New Zealand, plans to transition from an inbound tour operator and destination management company, to a fully-integrated travel business in New Zealand. As part of that move it has appointed the industry’s Simon Mckearney (pictured) as its first New Zealand general manager to drive a locally-led strategy. “No one travels with Intrepid like Kiwis do—we have more Kiwis travelling with us per capita than anywhere else in the world,” says Intrepid’s md for ANZ Brett Mitchell. “They just get our style of travel. With Simon on board, we’re excited to continue growing that connection,” says Mitchell. The move comes after a period of strong local performance and growth. “We see New Zealand as a market with significant potential and unique opportunities. By investing in local leadership and building stronger partnerships across the country, we’re committed to further strengthening our relationships with customers, suppliers, and the communities we work with,” adds Mitchell. Mckearney is charged with leading Intrepid’s inbound and outbound Kiwi operations and he says it’s an exciting opportunity to help reshape how the global travel brand operates in New Zealand.
. . . New Properties
Intrepid Travel has also acquired two new properties as part its growth strategy—Tasmania’s 20-room Edge of the Bay Resort and a 17-room Riad in Marrakech. The company has plans to grow to 20 boutique properties worldwide by 2028, with community and impact at their core. The properties can be booked independent of Intrepid tours. The two new additions join Intrepid’s Daintree Ecolodge in Queensland and a hotel in Hoi An in Vietnam, which it has via a multi-year lease. “Our approach to accommodation is underpinned by a commitment to preserving culture, fostering connection, supporting communities and boosting travel’s economic contribution within the local community,” says Intrepid Travel ceo James Thornton.
