Intrepid renews commitment to core values as it assesses impact of Trump Presidency
Intrepid Travel’s president of the Americas, Leigh Barnes has issued a statement on the company’s perspective on how the second Trump presidency will impact the travel industry over the course of the next four years.
In the statement Barnes writes: “This moment is an urgent call to deepen and define why we travel. As a new era of American leadership begins, we feel a renewed commitment to our core values of inclusion, environmental responsibility, and gender equality.”
He continues: “Some rhetoric and policies associated with the Trump administration diverge sharply from these principles, yet this moment reaffirms our mission to create positive change through the joy of travel. Because done right, we believe that travel can be a force for good.”
Creating Community Over Divisiveness
Intrepid’s president points out that: “Historically, this administration’s rhetoric has been around nationalism and closing borders. In a time of global division, Intrepid believes that travel is the bridge bringing people together, connecting us across backgrounds, cultures, borders, and beliefs. We embrace community and connection and see diversity as one of our greatest strengths and opportunities.”
And he states: “Travel inspires empathy to open our hearts and minds. By embracing the richness of diverse cultures rather than isolating them, we remind ourselves—and the world—how deeply interconnected we really are. This vision guides every journey we create, proving that respect and humanity transcend all boundaries.”
Barnes writes: “In times like these, travel is about more than visiting new places; it’s about advancing shared values, protecting our planet, and fostering a more inclusive world. We are committed to using our platform to build connections, drive sustainable change, and uphold the values of equity, justice, and community.”
Taking Urgent Climate Action
And he emphasizes that: “The climate crisis is the greatest threat facing our world, and we recognize the need for strong and progressive leadership on this issue. Over the years, the former Trump administration dismantled major climate policies and rolled back over 100 environmental rules governing clean air, water, wildlife and toxic chemicals, but we know that we all need to act for our planet’s future.”
Writes Barnes: “Intrepid has been carbon-neutral since 2010 and has set ambitious science-based targets to halve our emissions by 2030. The decision reinforces our commitment to aspire to standards for responsible tourism. We cannot let the government’s potential inaction on climate stop the progress the travel industry has made. The travel industry needs to continue stepping up to preserve the very places that our travellers and businesses rely on.”
Championing and Empowering Women
Barnes’ statement continues: “As a signatory to the UN Global Compact Women’s Empowerment Principles, Intrepid is concerned at the possible erosion of women’s rights under a Trump administration in America. When women lead, everyone benefits, and we need to continue advocating for women in leadership roles in the global travel industry. Intrepid believes in and champions gender equality and inclusiveness – through our business, with our people, on our trips and via our not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation.”
And he adds that: “Intrepid’s range of Women’s Expeditions is designed to offer travellers a different perspective on a country whole providing women employment through locally led experiences and supporting women-owned and operated businesses in our supply chain.”
A Call to Join Us in Championing Change
In closing, Barnes observes that: “In times like these, travel is about more than visiting new places; it’s about advancing shared values, protecting our planet, and fostering a more inclusive world. At Intrepid, we invite our travellers, partners, and industry colleagues to stand with us in championing these principles. We are committed to using our platform to build connections, drive sustainable change, and uphold the values of equity, justice, and community. Together, we can make travel a powerful force for good.”
Images courtesy of Intrepid Travel
