In a bold pivot towards redefining the sustainable tourism industry, Intrepid Travel—a global tour behemoth—has acquired the 15-room, four-star Daintree Ecolodge in Australia’s Tropical North Queensland for a staggering $5 million. With this game-changing move, the iconic travel company will diversify its offerings from multi-day tours into novel verticals that align with its purpose-driven philosophy.

James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, ecstatically outlined the importance of the acquisition. “This new venture is a lynchpin in our transformation into an iconic lifestyle brand,” Thornton said. “It’s not just an expansion; it’s a revolution that allows us to target a new audience while harmonizing with our core tour offerings.”

Daintree Eco Lodge

Last year, Intrepid made headlines by entering into a 50% partnership with CABN, an off-grid accommodation firm boasting 27 unique properties throughout South Australia. CABN’s upcoming CABN X at Seppeltsfield is generating significant industry buzz and is slated for its grand opening this month.

Nestled on a sprawling six-hectare expanse amidst the pristine rainforest, Daintree Ecolodge offers a bespoke experience for travellers seeking the extraordinary. On-site amenities include a gourmet restaurant, bar, an indulgent day spa, and a naturally occurring waterfall. The property, constructed in 1992, was a cornerstone in Morris Group’s portfolio since 2013 before this landmark acquisition.

Daintree Ecolodge is no stranger to acclaim. It was recently crowned Oceania’s Leading Green Hotel for 2022 by the World Travel Awards, solidifying its position as an unparalleled leader in eco-friendly tourism.

Daintree Eco Lodge

Notably, the Daintree area is a world-class ecological marvel, uniquely hosting two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. It is the world’s oldest tropical lowland rainforest, a natural sanctuary 135 million years in the making. Furthermore, it has been home to the Kuku Yalanji people for over 50,000 years, adding an invaluable layer of cultural richness.

In economic terms, Daintree Ecolodge is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s an economic fulcrum in the community. The lodge employs 15 permanent staff and numerous casual roles, supporting local businesses and invigorating the local economy. Acting General Manager Jody Westbrook will continue steering the lodge under the Intrepid umbrella.

Geographically, the lodge is an adventurer’s dream. Situated just 90 minutes from Cairns International Airport, it offers daily flight connections to domestic and international destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Auckland. Moreover, it is 40 minutes from Port Douglas, a gateway to explore the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef.

Sustainability is at the core of this acquisition. Daintree Ecolodge is an eco-certified advanced Ecotourism Property with a Climate Action Business certification. Solar panels are abundant, offering a greener alternative for power. Intrepid Travel, renowned for its commitment to responsible travel, ensures that all stays at the resort will be entirely carbon-neutral.

In the pipeline, Intrepid Travel has an ambitious itinerary for the Daintree area, extending its multi-day tours like the five-day Queensland Daintree Explorer, eight-day Daintree & Cape Tribulation Adventure, and the 18-day East Coast Encompassed.

James Thornton couldn’t be more optimistic about the future. “This is not just another chapter but an entirely new book in Intrepid’s journey. With 34 years of global experience in the travel industry, we’re taking our first monumental steps in the accommodation sector, sharing our brand of responsible travel with a whole new demographic.”

Intrepid Travel’s acquisition of Daintree Ecolodge marks a seismic shift in the travel industry. The company has set a new gold standard for sustainable, purpose-led travel by investing in a vision that transcends conventional tourism.

Written by: Octavia Koo

=================================