Latest news with #IntrepidTravel
Travel Weekly
13 hours ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Intrepid Travel acquires hotels in Tasmania and Morocco
Intrepid Travel has acquired boutique properties in Tasmania and Marrakech. The family-run Edge of the Bay, located near the town of Coals Bay in Tasmania, is a 20-room coastal resort that overlooks Wineglass Bay. The property is on 18 acres and close to Freycinet National Park. The hotel offers oceanview studios and secluded chalets. The resort will be refreshed to align with Intrepid's "impact-led ethos," the company said in its announcement. The revamp will include nature-based activities and environmental education programs developed with Greening Australia, an Intrepid Foundation partner and environmental organization founded to restore and conserve Australia's native vegetation. Intrepid also plans to work with the Palawa people, the indigenous inhabitants of the land, to conduct a cultural heritage assessment of the property. Intrepid also bought a 17-room riad in Marrakech, minutes from Medina, the city's old town. The traditional Moroccan guesthouse opened this month and offers culinary experiences with The Amal Association, a nonprofit that trains women in hospitality. Intrepid will fully operate the property beginning in July. "Our approach to accommodation is underpinned by a commitment to preserving culture, fostering connection, supporting communities and boosting travel's economic contribution with the local community," said Intrepid CEO James Thornton. The 20-room Edge of the Bay resort near Coals Bay in Tasmania. Photo Credit: Intrepid Travel Intrepid said last year that it was accelerating its expansion into hotels. It aims to acquire 20 properties by 2027. The brand hopes to acquire properties in Asia, Africa and the Americas, adding to its previous acquisition of Daintree Ecolodge in Australia and its multiyear lease of a Vietnam hotel. Since acquiring Daintree Ecolodge in Queensland, Australia, Intrepid said it has introduced solar power, advanced wastewater treatment, composting and vegetable gardens while eliminating single-use plastics. The lodge is certified as a B Corp, which means it has met high standards of social and environmental performance.
Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Quiet Spanish town 'like an underrated Barcelona' but without the crowds
Intrepid Travel's West Europe general manager Florencia Allo Moreno has recommended that anyone looking for a slightly quieter but no less pleasant trip to Spain visit Girona Colourful houses line the banks of the central river in a town typically overlooked by Brits. Over the weekend, protesters hit the streets in several Spanish cities and resort islands, squirting holidaymakers with water pistols and making their dissatisfaction with overtourism known. For those who want to avoid any tension with locals while they are away on holiday, or just fancy being somewhere a little quieter, then there are quieter, less overloaded destinations in Spin that have a huge amount going for them. Intrepid Travel's West Europe general manager Florencia Allo Moreno, who lives in Spain, told the Mirror: "We understand the frustration from protestors – tourism should not be at the expense of the local communities that live there. The industry needs to come together to better educate, advocate and regulate for a solution. "There are also ways that tourists themselves can travel responsibly. That includes considering travelling in shoulder season, visiting alternative destinations that offer a similar experience, supporting local businesses and also being a respectful traveller – remember you are visiting someone else's home.' One of those alternative destinations, according to Florencia, is Girona. "This jewel of Catalonia is a short train ride away from Barcelona, and renowned for its medieval architecture. The medieval walls of the city have stood since the 14 th century and several scenes of Game of Thrones were filmed there," she explained. It is the age of the city, and its impressive architecture, that draws most people to Girona. Also called the Passeig de la Muralla, a walk on the medieval walls is a must-do activity while there. The city walls span the eastern border of the old town, delivering views over the city from the top that are spectacular. The Jewish Quarter in Girona is one of the best preserved in the world, acting as it did as home for a large Jewish population from 982 to 1492. Today it is a warren of narrow cobbled lanes that provide a baffling maze to visitors. Hanging over it all is Girona Cathedral, a towering structure that dominates the skyline from its position on top of the hill. The only way into the cathedral is to climb the long staircase to the entrance. It competes with Pont de les Peixateries Velles as the most famous single structure in the city. Gustav Eiffel constructed the bridge in Girona over the Onyar River, just before he turned his attention to building the Eiffel Tower. Landscaped gardens line the Passeig Arqueològic, a walkway following the Old Quarter's medieval walls, which include watchtowers with sweeping views. Much like Dubrovnik in Croatia, Girona has become a major destination for Game of Thrones fans in recent years. The Cathedral was used in Season 6 of Game of Thrones, when the city as a whole acted as a backdrop for Braavos. What's particularly pleasant about Girona is its climate. While it delivers sunshine and blue skies on most days in the summer and spring, its location in the far northeast of Spain, not far from the Mediterranean coast, means you're unlikely to get roasted during a visit there. The hottest days tend to sit in the low 30s, when a cooling breeze from the sea arrives to take the edge off. During those hotter days, a trip to Plaça Independencia is in order. The lovely square is located just west of the Onyar River and is a good spot to relax with a coffee or wine in between the sightseeing.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why Intrepid Travel Is Calling Out Tourism's Biggest Lies
Why Intrepid Travel is Calling Out Tourism's Biggest Lies 'Let's be honest,' says James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel. 'The travel industry has lied to people for decades.' It's a sharp opening to a conversation about sustainability. But it cuts to the heart of what makes Intrepid unique. Why Intrepid Travel is Calling Out Tourism's Biggest Lies Thornton isn't trying to posture. He's not gesturing vaguely at 'eco-consciousness' or recycling platitudes a bout purpose. He's naming something travel leaders often leave unsaid: that an industry built on experiences and inspiration has too often trafficked in fantasy—selling travelers a clean conscience while ignoring the messy reality on the ground. 'People want to believe their trip is sustainable because they stayed in a tented camp or skipped the plastic straw,' he says. 'But if you've flown 12,000 kilometers to get there, stayed in a luxury resort with poor labor conditions, and left without understanding anything about the community you visited—can you really say your footprint was light?' Thornton isn't just critiquing the system. He's working to change it from within—brick by brick, policy by policy, truth by truth. A Business Built to Challenge the Status Quo Why Intrepid Travel is Calling Out Tourism's Biggest Lies As CEO of the world's largest certified B Corp travel company, Thornton is leading a brand that sees its role not just as a tour operator but as a systems challenger. Intrepid Travel operates in more than 120 countries with over 2,300 local leaders and a sharp focus on people, planet, and profit—with equal weight. But Thornton's leadership isn't just about the credentials. It's about culture. 'We don't have to guess who we are,' he says. 'We've got our values written on the walls—and everyone here can tell you what they are.' It's that clarity that allows Intrepid to lead on issues others avoid. The company has canceled tours to politically unstable regions, pulled out of markets where labor standards couldn't be guaranteed, and pioneered climate transparency before it was fashionable. In 2020, Intrepid became the first tour operator to set verified science-based climate targets aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. In 2021, it began producing an annual, third-party audited impact report. 'We put all our data out there,' Thornton says. 'Because if we say we're doing this for the right reasons, then we have to be willing to be scrutinized.' Telling the Hard Truth, Not Selling Fantasy While many travel brands are still marketing escapism, Intrepid's message often leans into uncomfortable truths. 'We need to stop pretending travel doesn't have a cost,' Thornton says. 'It does—social, environmental, and economic. The point isn't to eliminate that. It's to be accountable for it.' This unvarnished approach hasn't always been welcomed. 'We've lost customers because we don't sugarcoat things,' he admits. 'We've had agencies come in saying, 'Can't we just make this sound a bit more fun?' And we've said no. Because what's the point of all of this if we can't be honest?' Still, he believes most travelers are ready for a shift. 'People are waking up,' he says. 'They're starting to ask, 'Who benefits from this trip? Where does my money actually go?' We have a responsibility to meet that moment.' That sense of urgency has only grown in recent years. As climate impacts become harder to ignore and communities push back against over-tourism, Intrepid sees its role not as reactive, but as proactive. 'There's no future for travel if we don't get this right,' Thornton warns. 'And that's not an exaggeration. That's just physics and justice.' The Economics of Doing the Right Thing One of the most common critiques of sustainable business is cost—especially in an industry with tight margins and high fixed expenses. But Thornton is adamant that purpose and profit are not mutually exclusive. Why Intrepid Travel is Calling Out Tourism's Biggest Lies 'We're a commercial business,' he says. 'We've got shareholders. We've got growth targets. But the way we get there is by being transparent, by investing in communities, and by earning trust—not by greenwashing.' This means saying no to easy wins. It means refusing to underpay guides, declining to run wildlife tours that exploit animals, and skipping the over-trafficked Instagram spots in favor of locally owned alternatives. Does that limit growth? 'Not at all,' he says. 'In fact, it's the reason we've grown. Because we're building something customers believe in.' And investors, too. In 2021, French private equity firm Genairgy became a strategic partner in Intrepid. But unlike many investment stories, this one didn't lead to a dilution of values. 'They backed us precisely because of our purpose,' says Thornton. 'They saw that this is where the world is going.' Climate Action Without Compromise While other travel companies flirt with net-zero targets for 2050, Intrepid has already cut 1,000 tons of carbon from its operations and removed flights under 90 minutes from itineraries in places like Europe. 'Look, aviation is the elephant in the room,' Thornton says. 'We can't just pretend it's not a problem because we don't have a perfect solution. We've got to reduce where we can and push for regulation that applies to everyone.' That's why Intrepid has been lobbying for mandatory emissions disclosure across the industry—despite knowing it would expose its own operational challenges. 'This isn't about looking virtuous,' he says. 'It's about being part of a real solution. And we're not going to get there if everyone keeps hiding behind vague pledges and slick language.' Designing for Impact, Not Just Adventure At the heart of Intrepid's model is a commitment to community. All group leaders are local. Accommodation is chosen for impact. Experiences are designed in collaboration with people on the ground—not as flyby philanthropy, but as part of a long-term commitment. Why Intrepid Travel is Calling Out Tourism's Biggest Lies 'Too often, tourism extracts value,' Thornton says. 'We're trying to create it.' The company's nonprofit arm, The Intrepid Foundation, raised over $3 million last year for local organizations tackling everything from gender equity to disaster relief. Their tours also directly contribute to those same causes—with travelers invited to participate, learn, and give back in meaningful ways. That's not just good ethics—it's good design. 'We're not trying to turn travel into a guilt trip,' he says. 'We're trying to deepen the experience. We want people to come home with more than photos—we want them to come home with perspective.' A Vision for What Comes Next So where does Thornton want to take Intrepid next? 'The goal is to be the best travel company for the world—not the biggest,' he says. 'We want to grow, of course. But growth for us is measured in impact. How many lives are improved? How much carbon have we avoided? How many travelers are going home changed?' He's also calling for collaboration. 'This isn't something we can fix alone. We need the airlines. We need governments. We need our competitors. Everyone has a role to play.' That includes consumers. Thornton believes the biggest shift will come when travelers stop seeing sustainability as a tradeoff and start seeing it as part of the adventure. 'We're not perfect,' he says again, with characteristic candor. 'But we're trying. And we'll keep trying. Because if travel is going to be part of the future, it must be part of the solution.'
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Popular Ted Lasso character admits they don't know if they'll be in new series
Ted Lasso was confirmed to be returning for a fourth season in March this year, but will Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Taylor be reprising her role of Sassy alongside Jason Sudeikis? Actress and comedian Ellie Taylor has revealed whether or not she will be returning for the new series of Ted Lasso. The Strictly Come Dancing star appeared alongside Jason Sudeikis in all three seasons of the popular Apple TV series. Ted Lasso wrapped things up, seemingly for good, in May 2023, but it was announced in March that the Emmy award-winning series will be returning for a fourth series, with executive producer Jason set to reprise his titular role of the American AFC Richmond coach. Announcing the surprise series, Jason, 49, said: "As we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to 'look before we leap', in season four the folks at AFC Richmond learn to leap before they look, discovering that wherever they land, it's exactly where they're meant to be." Among the other stars of Ted Lasso are comedian Nick Mohammed, Juno Temple, Phil Dunster and Game Of Thrones star Hannah Waddingham. Ellie - who is working with Intrepid Travel to campaign for more female-fronted travel shows - played the supporting role of Flo 'Sassy' Collins, best friend of Hannah's character Rebecca Welton. Hannah has revealed she is reprising her role as the owner of AFC Richmond when the fourth series begins shooting in July, but will Sassy be by Rebecca's side once again? Ellie isn't sure. "Oh, I have no idea," Ellie admitted earlier this week when asked if she was returning to the hit Apple TV series. "I mean, I know as much as you do about Ted Lasso. I'm delighted that it's coming back and I'll be avidly watching for sure." "I can't imagine anyone who was involved with the original series would not want to go back," Ellie mused when quizzed on if she wants to play Sassy one more time. "It was a joy to be a part of. I feel really lucky to have been part of such a show that is so well regarded and mean so much to so many people." Ellie may not be filming (yet) but she's keeping busy with a mammoth task - trying to shake up the male, pale and stale world of travel TV. The comedian has teamed up with Intrepid Travel to back a campaign for more women fronting travel shows. According to Intrepid Travel, less than a quarter (23%) of travel programmes commissioned last year were hosted solely by female presenters, despite almost half of women wanting to have some representation on screen to highlight the unique issues female travellers can experience. "I've spent my career challenging outdated attitudes, and travel TV is long overdue for a shake-up. It's wild that last year in 2024 only 23% of travel shows were hosted by women, despite the fact that so many women are passionate about travel, exploration, and storytelling. Intrepid found 48% of people consider travel to be a male-dominated industry, but it shouldn't be!" Ellie said of her new gig. "I'm thrilled to be partnering with Intrepid Travel to shine a light on this issue – and to do it in a way that makes people laugh while still making a serious point. We're not just calling out the disparity, we're also starting a conversation about what needs to change, and hopefully, inspiring networks to rethink who they put in the spotlight." In a bid to inspire commissioners to cater to the real interests of audiences, Intrepid Travel has teamed up with TV producer Nicola Hebden (known for Travel Man and Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father) to devise a proposal for an innovative new travel series - Travel Ann. The programme will follow Ellie as she encounters remarkable women across the globe who have committed their lives to effecting significant change in their local communities. These are women who are pushing boundaries and redefining leadership within the realms of travel and conservation. In one suggested episode, Ellie spends time with The Black Mambas – the world's first and only all-female, unarmed anti-poaching unit – who are safeguarding endangered wildlife and inspiring a new wave of female conservationists. Travel Ann is in the process of being pitched to major UK TV networks for a 6 episode run. Further information on the TV series can be found here.
West Australian
11-06-2025
- West Australian
Intrepid Travel launches new Active-ism trips to support US national parks
Intrepid Travel has launched two limited edition 'Active-ism' trips in US national parks in response to a series of executive actions from the Trump administration that resulted in the dismissal of more than 1500 National Park Service staff and proposed $1 billion cut to the service's budget. Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas for Intrepid Travel says the company recognises the role tourism can play in supporting both people and protected areas. With the new Active-ism trips, Intrepid hopes to raise awareness and foster discussion around the challenges facing US national parks. 'Whether you travel with Intrepid or not, the most important thing is that you go,' he says. 'And if you can't visit a park, you can support them by learning, sharing, advocating, volunteering or even donating to your local national park.' Each Active-ism trip will be led by a local Intrepid guide and hosted by a guest activist, who will provide travellers with unique insights into the challenges facing national parks and guide conversations on how people can advocate for their protection. From Zion and the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone National Park, the trips will visit some of the world's best-known landmarks and the country's best hiking trails. With a maximum group size of only 11 people, Intrepid aims to create a more intimate and supportive travel environment to help travellers foster deeper connections. The tours are part of the company's wider initiative that includes a commitment to donate $US50,000 ($77,395) on behalf of its travellers to non-government organisations protecting US national parks. On this trip travellers will experience the region's diverse landscapes, hiking Zion's canyons, touring Monument Valley with an Indigenous guide, and walking along the Grand Canyon's rim. They'll learn about the history of Northwestern Arizona, gaining insight into today's challenges and how we can help preserve the park for future generations. There are two departures: November 1, 2025 and April 14, 2026 — and prices starts from $2234. Yellowstone is the oldest national park in the US, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. On this trip travellers will spend three days exploring Yellowstone's northern and southern loops, including a wolf-tracking adventure led by a naturalist wildlife guide — and discover Grand Teton National Park's alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and wildlife like moose and grizzly bears. There are two departures: June 7, 2026, and June 14, 2026 — and prices starts from $3185. To learn more and book an Intrepid Active-ism trip, visit
