Intrepid Travel is doubling down on Europe, acquiring French adventure company Altaï Group in its largest deal yet as it targets more non-English-speaking markets.
The purchase signals a clear intent to scale its style of responsible small group travel across Europe, particularly in French-speaking regions. It also follows Intrepid’s 2025 acquisition of Netherlands-based Sawadee Reizen, marking its second major investment in the region.
Headquartered in Lyon, Altaï Group delivers active, nature-based travel through brands including Atalante and Altaï Travel. Like Intrepid, it operates a vertically integrated model with its own destination management companies.
According to Intrepid, the acquisition will add more than $100 million in revenue and 35,000 customers annually. It also opens growth opportunities beyond France into markets such as Switzerland, Belgium and Canada.
Altaï Group will continue operating under its existing brands, with managing director Yann Wulser reporting to Intrepid’s EMEA managing director Zina Bencheikh.
While both businesses have enjoyed recent success, they also align with their focus on community-led, low-impact travel experiences. In addition, both companies are certified B Corporations, reinforcing shared environmental and social standards.
“We see the French-speaking market as a massive opportunity to further propel our growth and look forward to sharing our strategic vision of the world needs more Intrepid people with new, French-speaking customers,” Intrepid CEO James Thornton said.
Julien Leclercq, whose investment firm sold Altaï Group, said the move was the “ideal match” for the company, allowing it to grow under Intrepid’s “global footprint and expertise”. Leclercq is also a key shareholder of Intrepid and a non-executive board member.
“It has been a pleasure working with the Intrepid team, since first becoming a key shareholder in 2021 and I’m looking forward to deepening my commitment in the years ahead,” he said.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Intrepid is playing the long game in Europe. For travel advisors, this means stronger product in French-speaking markets and more depth in small group touring – especially for clients chasing meaningful, local experiences.
