We bring decades of operational experience and know-how in Australia – a vast and operationally complex country – I’m incredibly excited to join the team and to continue to build exceptional adventures together,” says Simon Mendelawitz, JOOB CEO.
Intrepid’s acquisitions in the past 12 months include a majority stake in Haka Tours and ANZ Nature Tours in New Zealand, specialists in nature-based and cultural tours, and Wildland Trekking in the US, which operates low-impact, eco-conscious guided treks in iconic wilderness areas and national parks.
Perth-based JOOB runs trips in every Australian state and territory (except ACT) and has operational bases across the country, including popular – but remote and operationally complex – tourist areas such as Alice Springs.
Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure travel company, has acquired a majority shareholding in the Australian adventure tourism business and destination management company (DMC) JOOB (Jump Out Of Bed). JOOB comprises three brands – walking company Inspiration Outdoors, adventure tour specialist Waratah Adventure Tours and Perth kayaking business Sea Kayak Rottnest Island. Together, we will develop even more exceptional trips for our customers and other leading travel brands, taking more travellers to the most remarkable and rugged parts of Australia,” says Thornton.
We’ve built exceptional global operational capability over the years, and Intrepid’s vertical integration has been a core part of our strategy. Intrepid’s three most popular itineraries in Australia reflect this – Uluru & Kings Canyon; Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Adventure and Trek the Larapinta Trail – all in the remote Northern Territory. The JOOB acquisition will rapidly bolster the growth of Intrepid’s DMC in Australia, which was set up in 2021 to respond to the growing demand for local travel, and support Intrepid’s vertical integration structure. This is the latest in a series of recent acquisitions aimed at fuelling growth and further strengthening Intrepid’s global operational capability and DMC network.
“At JOOB, we believe adventure, giving back to communities and having some fun along the way are all important, and that’s why we’re such a perfect fit for Intrepid. These DMCs operate the majority of Intrepid’s trips, as well as itineraries for other leading travel brands. Together they offer guided tours in Australia’s most iconic nature-based tourism destinations. In Australia, Intrepid has grown its range by 45 per cent since 2019 and offers 66 trips in all states and territories (expect ATC). JOOB completes the puzzle,” says James Thornton, Intrepid Travel CEO. These businesses complement and further strengthen Intrepid’s global offering via its existing DMCs in 26 countries. These focus on active and outdoor experiences such as walking, trekking, cycling, and First Nations inclusions.
I’m delighted to welcome Simon and the JOOB team to Intrepid. Intrepid has also invested in the sustainable accommodation business, CABN.
