Intrepid Travel has created a new range of trips exclusively for the younger generation.
The tour operator noticed an uptick in demand from travelers under 30 who were looking for immersive local experiences rather than backpacking trips or big bus tours. It answered the call with the launch of Intrepid Travel 18 to 29s.
Global sales for sustainable, immersive local experiences were up 17 percent last year for the tour operator, and the 18- to 29-year-old age bracket is one of the key demographics that is fueling growth, with a 7 percent increase in departures last year among them.
Intrepid Group CEO James Thornton says the new 18 to 29s range provides a socially conscious generation with a stress-free alternative to backpacking and bus tours. These journeys are also priced with affordability in mind-costing about the same amount as Intrepid's Basix journeys, with $99 deposits available.
"Sustainable travel doesn't have to be expensive," says Thornton. "This age group will increasingly influence travel trends. Their buying decisions can help to reduce demand for activities like visiting orphanages or riding elephants."
In order to accentuate its focus on sustainability, Intrepid has partnered with Friends-International, a leading social enterprise saving lives and building futures for marginalized young people around the world, making a donation to the organization for each 18 to 29s trip booked.
The launch of 18 to 29s means the end of an era for Geckos Adventures. The tour company will officially transform to Intrepid Travel's 18 to 29s on October 1, 2018.
"We know this is the right decision. Intrepid has four times the number of 18 to 29s travelers as Geckos. It's a global brand, whereas Geckos is almost entirely sold in Australia," said Thornton.
"Focusing the power of our global brand on the youth market is just another way that we can invest in sustainable travel for the long-term," he added. "Intrepid has a much bigger audience and this decision means we can have better conversations with 18 to 29s about the things that matter."
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