New Look Intrepid Follows Its Passion

Intrepid Travel co-founder Darrell Wade says adventure travel specialist Intrepid remains healthy and wealthy following its parting of ways with tourism giant TUI AG, reports Ian Stalker in this week’s digital edition of Canadian Travel Press.

Germany-based TUI AG – which specializes in mainstream travel experiences – and Intrepid split earlier this year, with Wade labelling the breakup an amicable one that resulted from “philosophical” issues after a four-year partnership.

An Intrepid statement said one reason for the breakup was Intrepid believes “in purpose beyond profit. Intrepid was founded on these values and we can now follow our passion.”

“We say it’s an amicable split,” says Wade, who co-launched Intrepid Travel in 1989. “Some people say it can’t be, but it actually is.”

The development means Wade and fellow Intrepid co-founder Geoff Manchester take back full ownership of what’s now called the Intrepid Group, which features Intrepid Travel and other brands under its umbrella, such as Australia-based Peregrine Adventures and Gecko’s Adventures, and Urban Adventures.

Wade says Intrepid remains on good terms with PEAK Adventure Group brands that are no longer affiliated with Intrepid, with Exodus, for instance, continuing to share Toronto office space with Intrepid’s Canadian operation.

For the full story, check out this week’s digital edition of Canadian Travel Press by clicking here.