“The best day Intrepid does all year”: Inside Intrepid’s Global Summit
Travel Weekly was live on the scene recently at Intrepid’s first global summit since the pandemic.
Bringing together 35 different nationalities from East and South-East Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and ANZ, the Intrepid family came together at The Edge, Federation Square in Melbourne to uplift the team after a tough pandemic.
Morning Session
The day began with a welcome to country from Uncle Tony Garvey, an elder of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. He discussed his family history, and connection to the land, nation, and modern issues relating to Indigenous culture.
Gearing the troops up before welcoming the day’s MC, Intrepid CEO James Thornton told the audience that today is “the best day Intrepid does all year,” before welcoming Intrepid’s general manager Moroco, Hala Bankhalodoun who was attending her first Intrepid global summit.
Bankhalodoun hosted the first panel and event of the day with Intrepid’s Erica Kritikides, global product GM; Miranda Raciti, global customer care manager; Cameron Elliot, global DMC sales GM; and Natalie Placko, global brand & marketing GM.
Kicking off the panel was Kritikides who highlighted the success of Intrepid’s premium range.
“One of the biggest successes of 2022 was our new Intrepid Premium range,” Kritikides said, who went on to break the news that Premium Japan is about to become one of the highest-grossest Intrepid trips of all time. She told the audience that the wholesaler will be returning East Timor to its collection and introducing a “pretty epic trekking” range that the industry can expect to see go live this month.
Elliot highlighted that 23 per cent of Intrepid’s revenue from 2022 came from external brand sales and Raciti discussed new positions at the company, including a voice of the customer lead, a new spot that uses customer insights to create change in the brand and build genuine connection to increase trust and loyalty.
Attendees got an exclusive view of Intrepid’s new brand film ‘Good Morning Morocco,’ which showcased the array of gorgeous spots and activities in the African nation, ending with the message ‘Good Trips Only.’
But this isn’t the only brand film from Intrepid. It was revealed that Intrepid will release a range of films showing a variety of international destinations explored by the wholesaler.
Following the panel was a talk from Intrepid’s GM of purpose Sara King, titled ‘Dose of Innovation.’ King discussed the importance of B Corp and how Intrepid fulfills these criteria while making an impact on a large scale.
King was followed by Sarah Wallace, Intrepid’s global leader engagement partner, who discussed the importance of the brand’s tour leaders and shared a joke with the crowd that she looks at the tour leaders’ feedback whenever she gets a bit down at work.
‘The Joy of Travel’, from Hem Raj Dhamala followed with his insights as a Nepalese tour leader that guides travellers up and around Mt. Everast.
Mid-Morning Session
Following morning tea, the brand’s co-founder and chair Darrell Wade with Intrepid’s CCO Leigh Barnes engaged in a banterous folksy chat for attendees to enjoy. The two reflected on the beginning of COVID and its impact on the company, its people and how the company will progress. The kicker of the talk came when Barnes asked the question on every Intrepid employee’s mind: Is Intrepid giving staff bonuses?
After a bit of umming and ahhing from Wade, he uplifted the spirits of the room by finally saying “YES!” The company will offer shares as bonuses, but they will not be given to everyone as complicated regulatory issues prevent the company from giving them to people based on where they live. The shares are currently valued at approximately AU$1.30.
Intrepid’s GM people, Kirrily Tibb, followed to discuss how to best engage with fellow team members, improve morale and shared a funny anecdote about Intrepid’s CEO getting more than what he wanted from his coffee order.
A heartfelt panel with the brand’s GM Türkiye Sami Behar and sales manager Türkiye Ekrem Seyhan followed to discuss the struggles they have faced amid earthquakes that has ravaged the country. The pair expressed their pride and gratitude with Intrepid’s Türkiye appeal that provided help for those impacted by the disaster.
From the not-for-profit organisation Kindness Factory, which raises funds for education programs, was Kath Koschel who changed up the summit with some personal stories. Koschel shared tales of her indesicive nephew who wasn’t quite sure of what he wanted to be when he grew up and shared a dream of her own.
Koschel dreamed of representing the Aussie cricket team but a spinal injury briefly left her a paraplegic. Through the process of recovery, a condition came up where she was told that she would have to have her right leg amputated (at which point the entire audience looked at her intact right leg). After another incident, she was told she would have to spend time in a rehab facility for 6-12 months where she struggled with motivation but eventually made it out.
Koschel went on to tell her personal story of learning to walk again, the loss of a loved one, how she motivated herself to be happy again, a critical accident and her brief stint with the Guinness Book of Records. This influenced her to begin Kindness Factory, which originally had the goal of committing one million acts of kindness but has now well surpassed five million. Her story was met with rapturous applause from all attendees.
Afternoon Session
After lunch, Bi Zhang, the general manager of The Intrepid Foundation, implored attendees to contribute to and promote the foundation after showing the impact Intrpid’s trips have on its customers.
Julien Leclercq, the CEO of Genairgy and non-executive director at Intrepid, followed to commend the values of Intrepid and a panel discussion came after. The panel featured Intrepid CFO Michael Burnett; Steve Cundy, sales director at Wildland Trekking; Sarah Baxter, GM Intrepid Polar; Eve Lawrence, GM Haka Tours; Simon Mendelawitz, MD JOOB; and Michael Lamprell, founder and CEO CABN. Each speaker (minus Burnett) got the chance to spruik their business and with a wide variety of tours available the attendees got a great insight to the breadth of Intrepid’s work.
Tackling the IT side of the business was Anu Karunatilaka, chief tech officer, speaking with Mahren Allard, Intrepid’s iteration manager, who were then followed by inductees into the Intrepid hall of fame following a break.
A representative from TikTok then came to flaunt the social media’s prowess in promoting travel to a wide audience of prospective travellers. He announced that Intrepid will be “handing the keys over to our travellers,” and attendees got to participate in the wholesaler’s first-ever TikTok video.
The battle of the regions followed with the managing directors from Asia, the Americas, EMEA and ANZ took to the stage. Natalie Kidd, Asia; Matt Berna, the Americas; Zina Bencheikh, EMEA; and Brett Mitchell, ANZ all took to the stage to discuss how they landed in their positions, what they saw booming in their respectvie regions and a bit of light banter with there fellow managing directors. The four also fielded questions from staff at Intrepid, including whether the wholesaler will implement the very topical four-day work-week (there wasn’t a direct ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, but work flexibility was highlighted).
And capping off the day was Thornton, who reflected on three significant moments in recent memory.
The first was in 2006, when Intrepid held a much less luxurious summit than what was held this year, thought Thornton looks on it fondly.
The next was in March 2020, after the former Prime Minster closed the borders of Australia and Intrepid had to announce a series of redundancies and Thornton was not sure if the company would survive.
Finally, and most importantly, according to Thornton, is the story of where Intrepid is going.
The CEO outlined Intrepid’s 2030 strategy where the wholesaler will be an iconic global brand that expands beyond just travel. Intrepid will expand to books, podcasts, hotels, restaurants and much more. Intrepid will become a category; synonymous with sustainable experiences. Thornton said the brand will have much larger markets in the US and UK, expand to a litany of other nations and become a billion-dollar B Corp.
Thornton said the Intrepid of the future will champion slow travel, create a climate-conscious future and utilise electric travel to a much larger extent.
The most important part of the third story, Thornton said, is that Intrepid will be owned by its employees. Its employees will have a stake in the wholesaler’s product and the very people and community that own it will be the future of Intrepid, Thornton said.
Following Thornton’s inspiring speech, Bankhalodoun described what made her proud about working at Intrepid and her hopes for the future.
Latest News
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
In case you haven’t heard, Rail Europe has rolled out its latest campaign which will see one very lucky travel advisor’s dream train journey through Europe come true in the very near future. In the lead up to the launch of Rail Europe’s e-brochure featuring a host of sample-themed itineraries across Europe, travel advisors can […]
Bonza’s future on knife edge
The fallout from yesterday’s mass Bonza cancellation has been swift, with the failing airline announcing yesterday afternoon that it has gone into voluntary administration. Australia’s newest airline launched last year in February and promised to bring cheap flights to travellers around the country. In its first year, Bonza operated 38 routes to 21 destinations, 84 […]
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
TripADeal had the biggest outlay of the more than $153 million spent on travel and tourism advertising in Australia in the first quarter of 2024, followed by Virgin Australia and Flight Centre-owned Ignite Travel, new Nielsen Ad Intel data has revealed. And the industry ad spend enjoyed an increase of 8 per cent on the […]
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.