Intrepid acquires US trekking operator
Intrepid Travel is acquiring US.-based tour operator Wildland Trekking, for an undisclosed amount.
It marks a next step in Intrepid’s growth within the United States, which was accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic as interest for domestic travel options spiked following international border closures.
Last year, Intrepid Travel launched its own dedicated North American operations hub under the leadership of Matt Berna, Intrepid’s North American Managing Director.
The new Intrepid DMC has helped to increase its local capacity.
The company also recently launched 38 new US tours departing in 2022, incorporating more diverse experiences alongside the iconic sites.
With a total of 57 US-based trips currently on offer by Intrepid Travel, the Wildland Trekking acquisition will bolster Intrepid’s capacity, increasing tour range by over 400%.
"This acquisition signifies our commitment to growing and scaling our style of sustainable, experience-rich travel within the US.," said James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel.
Wildland Trekking was founded in 2005 by Steve Cundy, Scott Cundy and Brad Ball, and offers hundreds of itineraries ranging from hut to hut trekking through the Presidential Range in New Hampshire to backpacking trips throughout the Rocky Mountains and Desert Southwest.
The acquisition will merge each company’s operations and business in the US, with future plans including developing new trips in Alaska and the Canadian Rockies and building more winter season trips.
Wildland Trekking has built a team of nearly 200 staff, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for conservation initiatives through partnerships with various National Park associations.
Wildland’s staff will all stay with the business and play an integral role in the future growth of Intrepid’s US operations.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps