Intrepid Travel is set to offer more than 100 global Indigenous experiences heading into 2023. The company first joined the Reconciliation movement at home in Australia in 2018, partnering with First Nations groups to build travel experiences, report on progress and raise awareness through tourism. While authentic community-based tourism has always been core to Intrepid’s product, from 2020 to early 2022, Intrepid went a step further by increasing Indigenous offerings 120% in the U.S. to 11, and 250% in Australia and New Zealand to 52 experiences. Since then, as travel moved beyond borders, Intrepid has been working behind the scenes with First Nations groups in new countries, introducing more experiences around the globe.
Among the 100 experiences are several completely brand-new offerings for 2023, including a Mayan village medicinal garden visit and textile weaving workshop on Intrepid’s ‘Real Central America’ itinerary; the 5-day Australia ‘Walk Queensland’s Scenic Rim’ trip, led entirely by host Gurruhmun ‘Old Man Kangaroo’, a Ugarapul and Bidjara man; and a visit to an Indigenous Shaman on Intrepid’s ‘Maya Encounter’ tour in Guatemala.
“Communities and people are at the heart of our trips,” says Matt Berna, Intrepid Travel President, North America. “We aim to get a better understanding of local views, support more community based and First Nations experiences, and forge strong industry relationships. It’s critical to continue to elevate Indigenous culture through authentic experiences.”
Additional Highlights:
- Mexico: On Intrepid’s ‘Premium Mexico Yucatan Highlights’ trip, groups will meet and tour the farm of a native Mayan family, followed by a hands-on cooking class before coming together to enjoy a traditional meal.
- Costa Rica: While on Intrepid’s ‘Best of Costa Rica’ trip, travellers can visit and learn about the traditions of the Terraba River Indigenous Community, who have survived off the land for over 500 years.
- United States: On ‘Hiking Utah’s National Parks’, Intrepid travellers will trek across incredible landscapes, learning about local plants, animals and geographic features from a passionate Native American guide.
- Kenya: During a ‘Kenya Wildlife Safari’ Intrepid groups will camp at Tepesua Village, share stories with Maasai warriors in the night, and learn about the community's resilience in paving the way for female education and health equity.
- Australia: On Intrepid’s ‘Premium Red Centre & Uluru’, the Watarrka National Park Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience gives travellers the opportunity to learn about the healing power and spiritual significance of bush medicines to the Luritja and Pertame people.
Indigenous tourism has the power to bring travellers closer to the communities that shaped destinations, honouring their customs and unique history while paving a new path for peace and reconciliation. Intrepid launched its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan in 2019, followed by its two-year Innovate RAP in 2020. The company has completed 75% of the 90 actions in the plan, with commitments built around the four key pillars of: Opportunities, Relationships, Governance, and Respect. In 2020, Intrepid helped launched the first-ever Indigenous Tourism Forum of the Americas, a meeting place for leaders to discuss the challenges facing Indigenous groups today and the role tourism plays in supporting equal opportunities for a fair and thriving life.
“As travel continues to bridge the gap between cultures and reveal undiscovered stories around the world, there is one vital group that cannot be forgotten: Those who came first,” says Sara King, GM of Purpose at Intrepid Travel. “It has always been our mission to change the way we see the world. Now, as we continue to grow as a company and learn from others, our travellers can too.”
By listening to and learning from First Nations people, Intrepid aims to expand perspectives, fight racial discrimination, support local communities and continue to build unity through experience-rich tourism. The 100 new offerings signal the company’s greatest number of Indigenous experiences in over 30 years of business, and a sign of many more to come.