Spread the love
Post Views: 14

Intrepid Travel, the B Corp certified tour operator with a mission to create positive change through the joy of travel, has announced it is adding 22 new “impact initiatives” to its itineraries in 2022 – which the company defines as activities that directly support environmental or wildlife conservation, preserve Indigenous culture or support marginalized social groups – bulking up an already robust portfolio of sustainable and ethical experiences around the globe.
The majority of Intrepid Travel’s top trips already contain “impact initiatives,” with dozens having been added to the tour operator’s portfolio in the last year alone. The addition of 22 more in 2022 is proof of the company’s ongoing commitment to operate trips that give back to both people and the planet.
“The tourism industry is at a pivotal moment with the gradual resumption of travel. Businesses such as ours have an exciting opportunity, not to mention a responsibility, to find more ways to contribute in a positive way to the places and people we visit,” said Erica Kritikides, Senior Product Manager at Intrepid Travel.
“Intrepid’s sustainable, experience-rich style of travel allows people of all nationalities and backgrounds to connect through immersive, hands-on experiences. Being more intentional with the experiences we offer our travelers allows us to collectively make a greater positive impact in our shared world.”
The company notes that offering more purpose-led activities in its tours not only makes for a more responsible and ethical holiday, but also provides a more enjoyable and enriching experience overall for its travelers.
Recent research shows that travelers are increasingly wanting their travels to have a positive impact. A new 2022 Travel Trends Report from Expedia states that travelers are more willing than ever to “go big” on their next trip and wring every bit of richness and meaning out of their experiences. While Booking.com’s 2021 Sustainable Travel Report revealed that 84% of travelers believe increasing cultural understanding and preservation of cultural heritage is crucial, and 69% of travelers will actively avoid popular destinations and attractions to ensure they are doing their part to disperse the positive benefits of travel to less frequently visited destinations and communities.
Several examples of Intrepid Travel’s new “impact initiatives” for 2022 include:
Authentic experience at a teahouse in Morocco supporting local women
Intrepid travelers on the company’s 13-day Morocco Uncovered, 10-day South Morocco Discovery , 15-day Premium Morocco In-Depth and 12-day Premium Morocco Explorer tours will visit Tawesna, a local teahouse on the river in Ait Ben Hadou. This community-run establishment provides women with an income to support themselves and their children. The women use natural ingredients sourced from local cooperatives to prepare tea and pastries, taking great pride in sharing their stories and giving visitors an authentic Amazigh experience.
Carbon neutral whale watching tour in Iceland
On Intrepid Travel’s Premium Iceland tour – which offers higher-end travelers a comprehensive and comfortable adventure through the popular country – travelers will board an eco-friendly and carbon neutral electric boat to spot minkes and humpbacks with an expert whale watching guide. The silent boat keeps a respectful distance from the whales, allowing visitors to observe them in their natural environment without disturbing or distressing them.
Paper crafts class supporting the local deaf and mute community in Vietnam
During Intrepid’s Vietnam Family Holiday, adults and children will stop into a local non-government organization that supports Hue’s deaf and mute community by providing training, employment, support and a place to connect with others. Here, travelers will meet members of the community and join them for a traditional paper flower making class – a fun and interesting way to get to connect with the hosts without exchanging any words.
Treats at a generation-bridging café in Vienna
On Intrepid Travel’s 15-day Best of Central Europe trip – which visits Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia – travelers indulge in kaffe and kuchen (coffee and cake) at Vollpension – also known as “Granny’s public living room” – a generation-bridging café in Vienna. This business’ mission is to create meeting and learning areas for new types of cooperation and togetherness among old and young, providing support to seniors on their way out of financial poverty and loneliness.
Heritage tour in South Dakota empowering the Lakota community to preserve their legacy
Group will visit the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to tour the Heritage Center with a local expert Lakota guide on Intrepid Travel’s newly-launched South Dakota Lodge Stay. The Heritage Center is one of the first cultural centers and museums located on a reservation, and empowers Lakota artists to preserve their artistic heritage, improve their economic situation and share their traditional arts and crafts with the world. Travelers will also enjoy lunch at a Lakota-owned restaurant that specializes in traditional foods.
Intrepid Travel currently offers over 1,000 trips around the world, with new trips added to the company’s portfolio every month. In addition to continuously reviewing and enhancing its existing tours, over the past 12 months nearly 200 new itineraries have been created – in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an evolving customer base and the company’s continued and evolving commitment to sustainable, experience-rich travel.
For more information on Intrepid Travel’s approach to responsible travel, visit: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/about/responsible-travel.