Intrepid Travel, a global leader in responsible adventure tourism, is poised to significantly expand its commitment to supporting and showcasing Indigenous cultures around the world. Beginning in 2023, the company will offer an impressive portfolio of over 100 excursions designed to immerse travelers in authentic Indigenous experiences. This ambitious initiative reflects Intrepid’s ongoing dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and empowering Indigenous communities. This aligns with the core values of Intrepid to Support Indigenous Experiences With 100-Plus Excursions in 2023.
The newly curated collection of tours promises a diverse range of opportunities for travelers to connect with Indigenous peoples and learn about their rich histories, traditions, and contemporary lives. From the sun-drenched landscapes of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to the majestic national parks of Utah and the sprawling savannahs of Kenya, Intrepid’s expanded offerings span continents and cultures.
One of the standout additions to the Intrepid to Support Indigenous Experiences With 100-Plus Excursions in 2023 program is a captivating visit to a Mayan family farm in the Yucatan Peninsula. Here, travelers will have the unique opportunity to participate in a hands-on cooking demonstration, learning traditional Mayan culinary techniques passed down through generations. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Mayan families, showcasing their sustainable farming practices and the vital role of food in their cultural heritage. The air will be filled with the aromas of local spices and the sounds of laughter as visitors learn to prepare authentic dishes, forging meaningful connections with the community and gaining a deeper appreciation for Mayan culture.
In the United States, Intrepid is offering guided hikes through Utah’s breathtaking national parks, led by knowledgeable Native American guides. These excursions provide a unique perspective on the natural wonders of the region, highlighting the deep connection between Indigenous peoples and the land. As travelers traverse the iconic landscapes of Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Parks, they will learn about the ancestral history of the area, the significance of specific landmarks, and the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect these sacred sites. The guides will share stories and insights into the cultural traditions, beliefs, and practices of the Native American tribes who have called this land home for centuries, offering a richer and more meaningful understanding of the region’s history and ecology.
Venturing beyond the Americas, Intrepid’s commitment to Indigenous experiences extends to East Africa, with a unique camping experience at Kenya’s Tepesua Village. This immersive cultural exchange allows travelers to spend time with the Maasai people, learning about their traditional way of life and the challenges they face in the modern world. During their stay, visitors will have the opportunity to hear captivating stories about Maasai warriors, renowned for their bravery and resilience. They will also learn about the village’s inspiring efforts to empower women through education and healthcare initiatives. This firsthand encounter provides a platform for meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Maasai culture and the importance of supporting community-led development projects.
Matt Berna, President of Intrepid Travel North America, emphasizes the company’s commitment to responsible tourism, stating, "Communities and people are at the heart of our trips. We aim to get a better understanding of local views, support more community-based and First Nations experiences, and forge strong industry relationships. It’s critical to continue to elevate Indigenous culture through authentic experiences." This statement underscores Intrepid’s dedication to ensuring that its tours not only provide enriching experiences for travelers but also contribute to the well-being and empowerment of the communities they visit.
Intrepid’s dedication to supporting Indigenous communities is not a recent development. The company has been actively working to promote reconciliation and understanding through its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), launched in 2019. This comprehensive plan outlines Intrepid’s commitment to raising awareness about the historical injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, including colonialism, land dispossession, and racism. Through various initiatives, Intrepid aims to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. As part of this commitment, Intrepid significantly increased its offerings of Indigenous experiences in Australia and New Zealand, demonstrating its proactive approach to promoting cultural awareness and supporting Indigenous-owned businesses.
The expansion of Indigenous experiences beyond Australia and New Zealand marks a significant step forward in Intrepid’s mission to promote cultural understanding and empower Indigenous communities worldwide. By offering these unique and authentic encounters in countries like Kenya, Costa Rica, and the United States, Intrepid is providing travelers with the opportunity to connect with diverse Indigenous cultures and learn about their unique perspectives on the world.
Sara King, General Manager of Purpose at Intrepid Travel, highlights the importance of these experiences in bridging cultural gaps and revealing undiscovered stories. "As travel continues to bridge the gap between cultures and reveal undiscovered stories around the world, there is one vital group that cannot be forgotten: Those who came first," King explains. "It has always been our mission to change the way we see the world. Now, as we continue to grow as a company and learn from others, our travelers can too."
The Intrepid to Support Indigenous Experiences With 100-Plus Excursions in 2023 initiative represents a significant investment in responsible tourism and a commitment to empowering Indigenous communities around the world. By offering travelers the opportunity to engage with Indigenous cultures in a meaningful and respectful way, Intrepid is fostering cross-cultural understanding, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage. The immersive experiences offered through these excursions promise to be transformative for both travelers and the communities they visit, creating lasting connections and fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human cultures.
The expansion of these tours with Intrepid to Support Indigenous Experiences With 100-Plus Excursions in 2023 marks a pivotal moment for the company and the travel industry as a whole. By prioritizing Indigenous experiences, Intrepid is setting a new standard for responsible tourism and demonstrating the potential for travel to be a force for positive change in the world. As travelers increasingly seek authentic and meaningful experiences, Intrepid’s expanded offerings are poised to resonate with a growing audience, inspiring a new generation of culturally aware and responsible travelers.
This initiative reflects a broader trend in the travel industry towards more sustainable and ethical tourism practices. Travelers are increasingly seeking out experiences that not only provide personal enrichment but also contribute to the well-being of the communities they visit. Intrepid’s commitment to supporting Indigenous experiences aligns perfectly with this trend, positioning the company as a leader in responsible adventure tourism and setting a positive example for others in the industry to follow.
