Intrepid Travel has pledged CAD$500,000 (around AUD$525,000) over five years to develop and promote Indigenous tourism across Canada in an agreement with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).
By the end of 2026, Intrepid Travel aims to include at least one Indigenous experience in 75 per cent of its Canadian trips with the long-term goal of 100 per cent inclusion in all itineraries.
The partnership will see Intrepid increase Indigenous-led experiences in its Canadian itineraries through ITAC’s accredited network, co-develop community-led products and co-create Indigenous-centred adventures.
Across the next five years, Intrepid will invest CAD$50,000 per year into the Indigenous Tourism of Canada Destination Fund to support ITAC’s development of Indigenous-led tourism businesses and community-driven experiences across Canada.
The company will also invest a minimum CAD$50,000 annually to promote Indigenous tourism in Canada in consultation with ITAC.
Announcing the partnership at the 2026 IMPACT tourism sustainability and innovation conference in Victoria, ITAC CEO & President Keith Henry said interest in Indigenous tourism is at an all-time high.
Destination Canada’s 2024 Traveller Segmentation Program found more than 60 per cent of highly engaged travellers seek Indigenous-led experiences.
“Demand is higher than ever, yet Indigenous-led businesses continue to navigate challenges around limited funding and infrastructure,” he said.
“Partnerships like this create tangible opportunities and ensure communities gain direct economic and cultural benefits, while supporting our vision of Canada becoming a world leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030.”
The announcement is part of Intrepid Travel’s expansion plans in Canada with the B Corp opening a new operational hub in Squamish, British Columbia, in 2026 to boost local recruitment and travel experiences.
The new partnership forms the core of its growth plan in Canada, designed to create lasting economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.
Intrepid Travel ANZ Managing Director Brett Mitchell is part of Destination Canada’s Australia Strategic Advisory Group, which also includes Karryon Founder Matt Leedham, focused on advancing regenerative tourism, sustainability, community benefit and cultural respect in Canadian tourism.
“Canada is one of Intrepid’s fastest-growing regions globally, and how we grow there really matters,” he said.
“This partnership sets a new benchmark for how the travel industry can work alongside Indigenous-led organisations with long-term investment, shared decision-making and real economic outcomes for communities. It’s the kind of collaboration we want to see more of across the industry globally.”
Find out more at intrepidtravel.com
KARRYON UNPACKS: Intrepid Travel’s long-term investment in Indigenous tourism in Canada shows how purpose-led growth can create richer traveller experiences while delivering lasting economic and cultural benefits for communities.
