Intrepid Travel has posted the strongest business performance in its 35-year history, an extraordinary display of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. The certified B Corp and global leader in sustainable adventure tourism reported a record $626 million in revenue for 2024, marking an impressive 17% year-on-year growth, as detailed in its newly released Integrated Annual Report.
The results underscore Intrepid’s commitment to achieving commercial excellence and remaining steadfast in its social and environmental mission. The company reported an underlying EBITDA of $42.9 million, a 24% increase from the prior year, solidifying its standing among the most financially and ethically responsible players in the global travel industry.
“This year’s performance demonstrates that purpose and profit are not mutually exclusive,” said James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel. “We’ve proven that travel can be both commercially successful and a powerful force for good.”
💰 Shared Success: Bonuses, Dividends, and Empowered Employees
True to its founding values of shared ownership and inclusive prosperity, Intrepid rewarded its global team with $12.8 million in bonuses in 2024. These were paid out in cash and shares under its employee shareholding scheme, which now includes approximately 555 staff shareholders. This act reinforces the co-founders’ belief that the company’s success should be shared by those who help build it.
Additionally, the company’s Board approved a second consecutive annual dividend, scheduled for distribution in 2025—a milestone reflecting consistent growth and shareholder confidence.
“Our best-ever results are a direct reflection of our people,” added Thornton. “Their passion, dedication, and relentless drive have been instrumental in creating exceptional experiences for our travellers.”
🌱 Purpose at the Core: Re-Certified as a B Corp
Alongside its financial triumphs, Intrepid Travel re-certified as a B Corp in 2024, scoring a remarkable 102.5 points—the highest in its history and a benchmark placing it among the top tier of global purpose-led companies. This certification validates Intrepid’s deep-rooted commitment to ethical business practices, environmental stewardship, and community development.
In addition, its not-for-profit arm, The Intrepid Foundation, raised over $2.4 million in 2024, directly supporting local partners across 39 countries. This initiative represents a steadfast commitment to amplifying social impact through tourism.
📈 Rising Above Industry Challenges
Despite economic uncertainty and persistent cost-of-living pressures globally, Intrepid’s brand of community-based, meaningful travel has proven more appealing than ever. The company’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) rose to 81.5—a 4.5-point increase over 2023—placing it in the elite category of world-class service providers.
Internally, the company also recorded a stellar employee Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 64, signalling exceptionally high employee satisfaction and loyalty among its 3,399 staff and tour leaders.
However, Intrepid remains honest about its challenges, particularly its ambitious decarbonisation program. While progress has been made, the company acknowledges that more investment is needed to meet its environmental goals and has pledged to ramp up decarbonisation efforts in 2025.
🌎 Global Expansion: Eyes Set on North America and Europe
With momentum in its sails, Intrepid is preparing for its most ambitious international expansion yet. In 2025, the company will launch a new North American sales and marketing hub in Seattle, strengthening its foothold in one of the world’s largest travel markets.
Additionally, Intrepid is expanding its network of Destination Management Companies (DMCs) across Europe, including:
-
Denmark, where operations commenced in March 2025
-
The Netherlands, following the acquisition of the renowned Dutch travel firm Sawadee Reizen in February
These strategic moves are designed to enhance local expertise, streamline operations, and embed sustainability deeper into every aspect of trip planning and execution.
“Australia has been a cornerstone of our growth, and 2024 was proof of what our team can achieve,” said Brett Mitchell, Managing Director of Intrepid Travel ANZ. “From supporting First Nations businesses to offering unmatched customer service, we’re heading into 2025 with a strong sense of purpose and optimism.”
🛫 Looking Ahead: Travel as a Force for Good
Intrepid Travel continues to lead by example as the global travel landscape evolves, demonstrating that growth, impact, and innovation can go hand in hand. The company’s vision for 2025 is centred around advancing decent work, inclusive economic development, and embedding sustainability across its global operations.
With a solid foundation built in 2024, Intrepid is set to redefine the future of travel, proving once again that business can thrive without compromising on values.
Written by: Sandra Jones