In an exclusive interview with ETTravelWorld, Darrel Wade, Chairman and Co-Founder of Intrepid Travel, shared insights into the company’s plans for the Indian market and its global growth strategies. Intrepid Travel, headquartered in Australia, is a renowned sustainable travel company offering over 1,150 trips across all seven continents, with an average of 10–15 travelers per tour.
Wade discussed Intrepid’s global growth trajectory, highlighting a record year in 2023 despite challenges posed by the pandemic. The company is poised to double in size by 2030, with a strong focus on expanding its operations in key source markets like the USA, UK, and Australia. Wade also emphasized the significant growth potential for Intrepid in India, projecting a triple growth by 2030 compared to the global average.
“We’ve taken a global view, and effectively it falls into a couple of buckets of development. We’re saying that we’re going to continue to do what we do but just do more of it. Between now and 2030, the business will double in size. So in the context of India, it’s perhaps more interesting because we’ve had our own office in India since 2006,” Wade commented.
Currently Itrepid is currently deadling with over 10,000 travellers from India. Last year, this number was 8,000. The projection for the coming year from Indian perspective is 12,000. Globally, Intrepid Travel dealt with 3 lakh travellers.
India’s Potential as an Adventure Tourism Destination
Intrepid Travel sees India as a prime destination for adventure tourism, given its diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and historical significance. Wade expressed enthusiasm about India’s potential to attract adventure travellers from around the world and highlighted the need to break stereotypes about Indian tourism by promoting diverse attractions beyond the Golden Triangle.
Wade said, “The capacity that India has to really go to different places and do different things is quite extraordinary. The sheer variety of the activities that we can engage our travelers with is pretty much second to none in the world.”
“India is rapidly establishing itself as a top destination for adventure tourism, attracting thrill-seekers from all over the world. The travel landscape has shifted with an increase in adventure travel, which is driven by a desire for unique experiences. Off-grid destinations, sustainable tourism, and immersive cultural experiences are all current trends. Furthermore, India’s rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality contribute to its allure, making it an ideal adventure destination for those seeking both excitement and cultural immersion. Intrepid Travel expects to bring more than 30000 travelers every year to India by 2030.
Also, it is encouraging to see that our government is emphasizing on India’s strategic goal of expanding its infrastructure and tourism industry. Recently, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said India wants to be a USD 1 trillion tourism economy by 2047, which will further catalyse India’s growth as a leading adventure tourism destination,” said Rama Mahendru- Country General Manager- India, Intrepid Travel talking about growth in the Indian market.
Social Impact Initiatives
Intrepid Travel is committed to social impact initiatives, including promoting gender equality, empowering local communities, and supporting underprivileged groups. Wade discussed initiatives such as employing more female leaders within the company and creating gender-neutral spaces to foster inclusivity. “As a business, we take a strong stance on gender equality and really, wherever we operate, we try to ensure that the benefits of tourism are spread across all genders.” Wade commented.
Abu Dhabi [UAE], His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved the new Tourism Strategy 2030 for the emirate. Spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the ambitious blueprint signals a new era of expansion and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector.
Sustainable and Responsible Tourism
With a strong focus on sustainability, Intrepid Travel is working towards reducing carbon emissions and implementing responsible tourism practices across its supply chain. Wade stressed the importance of responsible travel that benefits local communities and minimises environmental impact. “We’ve got a long history on sustainability and purpose-based work. We’re in a very lucky position at Intrepid, we’ve got a long history on sustainability and purpose-based work,” he said.
Future Expansion and Partnerships
Looking ahead, Intrepid Travel plans to expand its presence in India through innovative initiatives, including investments in unique accommodation options that enhance traveller experiences and benefit local communities. Wade emphasised the need for partnerships with stakeholders, airlines, and government bodies to promote sustainable and well-managed tourism growth.
“We see enormous opportunity and beyond travel ties between America and India are growing anyway. So we see India playing very strongly to that aspirational theme,” Wade anticipated.
Wade also highlighted the economic benefits of tourism, including job creation, skills development, and revenue generation for governments. He emphasised the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that tourism growth is sustainable and beneficial for all involved parties.
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The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) has announced the appointment of Puneet Chhatwal as its Chairman. He takes over from Nakul Anand who since his retirement will no longer be a member of HAI Executive Committee, thereby relinquishing his position at FAITH.
As per the official notice, Chhatwal takes over with immediate effect. Announcement to this effect was made by Rajiv Mehra, Honorary Secretary, FAITH.
Chhatwal who also serves as Managing Director and CEO of IHCL brings with him years of experience and a deep understanding of the Tourism and Hospitality industry. As the Chairman to his new leadership role, he will ensure a smooth continuation of FAITH’s initiatives and objectives, the tourism and hospitality body of the national associations expressed.
Looking forward to 2024, industry leaders express optimism, anticipating sustained accelerated growth in the Indian hotel industry. Despite global headwinds and the impending general elections, the sector envisions continued expansion, fueled by growth in niche tourism segments such as religious and spiritual tourism, cruise tourism, and medical tourism. The government’s renewed commitment to the industry, coupled with a sustained focus on infrastructure development, sets the stage for enduring growth in the coming year.
“With the support of all the members, I will strive to make FAITH, a strong policy advocacy body on issues related to Tourism and Hospitality industry and carry forward the legacy built by Mr Anand,” said Chhatwal, after his appointment.The Board also placed on record deep appreciation for the services rendered by Anand and wished him well for all his future endeavours.
Anand commenced his tenure with ITC Hotels in 1978, steadily ascending to key leadership roles within the organisation. His trajectory within the company encompassed pivotal oversight of ITC‘s expansive hospitality, travel, and tourism ventures including his initiating efforts on responsible luxury.
The culmination of his professional journey was marked by an emotional farewell event held at the ITC Green Centre this week.
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