Intrepid’s trekking outfitter, Wildland Trekking, also named first in industry to be B Corp certified.
Intrepid Travel, a world leader in responsible travel, has achieved a record-breaking score of 102.5—leaping ahead from 91.2 in 2021.
This milestone places Intrepid among an elite group of B Corps globally, joining brands like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s. With only 20% of B Corps over 1,000 employees scoring above 100, Intrepid is setting a bold new standard for environmental and social responsibility.
“This isn’t just a badge—it’s proof that purpose and profit go hand in hand. When businesses lead with values, record-breaking impact and success follow,” said Intrepid’s new President of the Americas, Leigh Barnes.
Wildland Trekking, Intrepid’s backcountry provider, was also awarded its first B Corp certification. The monumental achievement makes the company the first outfitter in the industry to meet the rigorous standards.
“This isn’t just a milestone for us—it’s a call to action for the entire industry,” Scott Cundy, co-founder of Wildland Trekking, said. “Let’s raise the bar on conservation, protect these trails for generations, and create experiences that inspire others to do the same. The more people connect with the outdoors, the more they’ll fight to protect it. This win is for everyone who believes in the power of wild places.”
Purpose and Profit
In 2024, Intrepid shattered sales records, fueled by operational excellence, innovative sustainability strategies, and skyrocketing demand—culminating in an extraordinary US$51M in bookings in November alone. Beyond the bottom line, the company’s not-for-profit The Intrepid Foundation, raised more than $2m for local partners in 36 countries around the world in 2024.
When Intrepid was certified as a B Corp in 2018, only 19 certified companies were in the tourism sector. Today, that number is almost 200. Intrepid hopes to build on this momentum and continue to use business as a force for good.
“While others pull back on DEI and ESG, we’re doubling down,” said Chief People & Purpose Officer Meegan Marshall. “At Intrepid, purpose and profit go hand in hand. In the face of geopolitical instability, the climate crisis, and growing inequality, it’s not the time to retreat—it’s the time for bold action to build a regenerative, equitable economy for everyone,” Marshall added.
The B Corp Standard
The B Corp certification is one of the most comprehensive and respected designations for purpose-led businesses. It recognises organisations that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Businesses need a score of 80 to qualify for the B Corp certification, with an ordinary business averaging just under 60 points.
B Corps are required to recertify every three years, providing evidence and measuring their environmental and social impacts across the five areas of governance, workers, community, customers, and the environment.
Since its previous recertification in 2021, Intrepid has achieved the following improvements:
DIVERSIFYING ITS SUPPLY CHAIN: Improving the diversity of its suppliers (women and underrepresented groups) from 17% to 27% through better measurement, targeted efforts and engagement programs.
Read about how these improvements have supported Intrepid supplier Leitah Mkhabela and the Black Mambas to deter poachers and inspire the next generation of wildlife warriors in Kruger National Park.
PROGRESSING GLOBAL EMPLOYMENT EQUITY: Created +33% more employment opportunities, while paying workers a living wage aligned with the WageIndicator benchmark1.
Hear from Sumitra, Intrepid’s trekking leader in Nepal, who is challenging gender norms and trailblazing the way for women in Nepal’s travel industry.
CUSTOMER EDUCATION & EMPOWERMENT: Adding carbon labels to more than 500 trips, scaling Intrepid’s active trip range to support travellers physical and mental wellbeing, and ensuring that Intrepid customers learn about the different environments, histories and cultures of destinations they visit.
Learn about Barbara Threet, who has visited 77 countries and counting and has been compelled to make more than 100 donations to important causes around the world through The Intrepid Foundation along the way.
DOUBLING COMMUNITY INVESTMENT: Doubling its community investment (from AU$728,444 in 2020 to AU$1.4m in 2023) for non profits through volunteering, partnerships and contributions to The Intrepid Foundation.
Read about how The Intrepid Foundation partner Blue Dragon has helped thousands of children and families in Vietnam escape human trafficking.
Intrepid is committed to a triple bottom line impact vision for governance across the business. This sits in stark contrast to many businesses which have recently scaled back their DEI commitments amidst external pressures. Looking forward, Intrepid plans to continue to make further improvements across its entire business and work to support a more inclusive and fair economy.
ABOUT INTREPID TRAVEL
Intrepid Travel has been a world leader in responsible travel for 35 years. The company’s mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel, which comes to life on more than 900 trips all designed to truly experience local culture. With its own network of destination management companies in 28 countries, Intrepid has unique local expertise and perspectives. Globally recognized for their commitment to transparency and ethical travel, they became B-Corp certified in 2018. Intrepid Travel is also the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative, and its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, has raised more than $17.37 million for more than 160 partners. In 2024, its CEO was named CEO of the Year at the Australian Executive of the Year Awards. For more information download the company’s 2023 Integrated Annual Report and follow Intrepid on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn.
Contributing members are responsible for the accuracy of content contributed to the Member News section of AdventureTravelNews.
