The Intrepid Group will gain Chimu Adventures’ expertise in tailor-made product, while Chimu Adventures has agreed to launch charter cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica. There’ll also be speedier business growth for the pair and shared DMC access.
There are a number of benefits to the newest travel industry partnership, and not just for the companies involved.
In case you missed the news, the Intrepid Group and Chimu Adventures became the largest sellers of Antarctica travel in Australia earlier this week when the travel group purchased half of Chimu Adventures.
Pictured: James Thornton – CEO, Intrepid Travel, Greg Carter – Co-founder, Chimu Adventures and Chad Carey – Co-founder, Chimu Adventures.
The acquisition also included a 50 percent investment from Intrepid in the operator’s South American destination management companies (DMCs) and 50 percent in its three sales offices in the UK, Sydney and the Sunshine Coast.
Intrepid’s Chief Executive, James Thornton, told KarryOn that as a result of their union, the two businesses are now major players in the Polar market, which gives them a “louder voice” when it comes to Antarctica and Arctic environmental issues.
Thornton said he hopes to use this important position to drive sustainability and build awareness of the effects of climate change.
“As global citizens and travellers, it’s important to us that we ask ourselves what we can all do to combat climate change,” Thornton said.
The Group’s boss continued, saying that their position will also give them further influence over ticket pricing, which he aims to make more affordable for travellers.
“We will definitely be a louder voice in the industry and driving more opportunities for affordable Polar travel.”
James Thornton, Intrepid Group Chief Executive
“Adventure Cruising is growing for the Intrepid Group and we have had an outstanding first year after selling out our charters. We have five charter destinations for Europe in 2018 and Polar is a natural extension of this.”