Intrepid’s impressive efforts to reduce the impact that its tours have on the environment will appeal to increasingly environmentally conscious travelers. Even with the prospect of longer journey times, the move will be attractive to those seeking an experience-led and eco-friendly trip, solidifying Intrepid as a leader in responsible travel, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Gus Gardner, Associate Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Intrepid’s plan to remove flights of under 90 minutes from its top 50 itineraries by 2022 to decarbonize its operations and replace them with a viable land or rail alternative could increase the number of bookings the company attracts and will ensure it is fit to operate in a more environmentally conscious world. With more travelers seeking greener options, Intrepid could see an increase in demand thanks to the actions it is now taking.”

GlobalData’s latest COVID-19 recovery survey revealed that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 31%* of global respondents have made reducing their environmental footprint slightly/significantly more important than before, with a further 12% making it their top priority.

Gardner continues: “This significant shift in consumer sentiment cannot be ignored. Many tour operators have been slow to act on their environmental footprint, and Intrepid could benefit from being a leader in this sense.

“What seems like a minor adjustment could create a significant reduction in the carbon emissions emitted when traveling with Intrepid. By listening to travelers and then acting quickly to make a change, Intrepid will be viewed as an environmentally conscious business, and it could benefit its recovery. The company is one of the largest certified B Corp travel brands further proving how being a force for good is at the heart of the company’s ethos.”

Opting for alternative transport methods will inevitably increase travel times, but it is unlikely to be an issue for some travelers. Being able to experience a range of transport options while reducing carbon emissions will be attractive for more responsibly minded tourists. Rail and road travel will provide people with a more immersive travel experience as opposed to flying straight over land.

Gardner adds: “Road and rail transport overseas is often very different from what is found in one’s own country and may become the selling point of Intrepid’s trips. The experience proposition could be enhanced and set Intrepid apart from its competitors.”

*GlobalData’s latest COVID-19 Consumer Recovery Survey, conducted 2-6 December 2020, 5,766 global respondents