Intrepid chief highlights scope for growth in UK
Ella Sagar
Intrepid Travel has identified an “enormous” opportunity to grow in the UK amid a surge in sales through the trade. Chief executive James Thornton
outlined his ambition to further develop the reputation of the small-group specialist as he reported significant year-on-year growth. “Our trading out of the UK
is 17% up year on year and there aren’t many 35-year-old companies growing at that level,” said Thornton in a webcast with Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley. “It’s even better with our
travel agent business [in the UK], which is up 20% year on year.” Thornton said 30% of Intrepid’s
overall business comes from the UK and Europe, with a similar share from the US and Canada, and 40% from Australia and New Zealand, adding there was “opportunity” to explore growth in the UK and US. He added: “In Australia, Intrepid
is close to being a household name. If you go down the street in Melbourne or Sydney, most people will know of us, will have travelled with us or will know someone who has. “We’re making inroads in the UK but it’s worth remembering
James Thornton
the UK has more than double the population of Australia, so the market opportunity is enormous. “And then in the US there
are 300 million people – 150 million of whom are aligned to our way of thinking – so again the market opportunity is massive.” Thornton predicted Intrepid
would become a billion-dollar (Australian dollar) revenue business by the end of next year. It currently has annual sales of AU$800 million. The operator is recruiting for a
general manager of tailor-made travel as it looks to grow its sales in this division, while expanding its global portfolio of “boutique” accommodation. It currently owns four properties.
Post Office survey reveals 66% people planning foreign holiday
The number of people planning overseas trips is up this year despite doubts over costs and the impact of US trade tariffs on destinations, according to a poll of more than 2,100 consumers by Post Office Travel Money. Two-thirds (66%) of those surveyed intend to take a foreign holiday, up five percentage points year on year, while 54% have already booked despite growing concerns over costs.
6 26 JUNE 2025 “One reason why people don’t
convert to Intrepid is because they don’t want the group experience – they want to have something designed independently for them,” said Thornton. Currently, tailor- made sales account for about 10% of Intrepid’s overall business. Referring to industry challenges,
Thornton said overtourism protests are “unfortunately going to continue unless change happens”. “Our view is that there needs to
be a better form of tourism – one that benefits local communities,” he said. Thornton said governments
need to endorse small-group travel and “ensure as much money as possible stays in the destination”.
Jet2holidays to run Appoint an Apprentice for third year
Jet2holidays has announced the return of its ‘Appoint an Apprentice’ scheme for the third year and increased the funding to £1.4 million. The operator said it had received a “phenomenal response” to the scheme, which enables independent agents to recruit apprentices and develop existing staff.
Carnival Corp posts record Q2 income of $934m
Carnival Corporation has insisted 2019 levels of revenue and bookings are not a “ceiling” after surpassing its 2026 financial targets 18 months early. The company reported record
operating income of $934 million for its second quarter of the year and an advanced booked position at “historically high prices”. Carnival Corporation chief
executive Josh Weinstein (pictured) said: “I never thought of 2019 as a ceiling, and we’ve proven that in our last quarter. In fact, this past quarter’s margins were the highest they have been in nearly 20 years.” He added the company’s eighth
consecutive quarter of record yields and revenue had enabled it to upgrade full-year guidance for adjusted net income to $200 million higher than March. Weinstein noted the “swift
escalation” in the Middle East, but added it had “not yet had any discernible impact on our business”. He said the company was “well
positioned” to meet or exceed future guidance, predicting boosts from the launch of private resort Celebration Key in July, a new loyalty scheme next year and expansions to private destinations Relaxaway Half Moon Cay and Isla Tropicale.
Limitless Travel considers new role to re-engage with the trade
Limitless Travel is considering hiring a head of partnerships as part of a longer-term plan to re-engage with the trade. Angus Drummond, chief executive of the tour operator, which specialises in accessible travel, said the company was considering the move for early 2026. The company has previously sold its holidays through the trade but currently does not work with agents.
travelweekly.co.uk
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