Welcome back! Andrew Macfarlane has come out of retirement to join Intrepid Travel as its new Purpose Specialist in Australia and New Zealand.
In his role, Macfarlane will steer the company’s ambitious push to become the region’s most trusted and recognised corporate purpose leader.
With nearly 35 years of travel industry experience, Macfarlane has held a wide range of roles across the sector, starting in 1990 at STA Travel, where he held various product, sales and marketing roles, before moving to Vancouver to set up the brand in Canada.
After returning to Australia in 2004, Macfarlane plied his trade at Air New Zealand, Jetstar and STA Travel.
He then joined Magellan Travel Group in 2008, where as CEO, he helped grow the network to more than 125 travel agencies before Helloworld acquired the business in 2018.
“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to champion Intrepid’s purpose agenda within the region and am excited to work with like-minded people who aspire to make a positive difference to people and the planet as we explore the world,” Macfarlane said.
“I have long admired Intrepid’s purpose beyond profit model. Our alignment on purpose is what has drawn me out of retirement and to Intrepid, in particular, the focus on climate change, biodiversity and First Nations designed and led tourism”.
Intrepid Travel Managing Director ANZ Brett Mitchell said the company is excited about Andrew’s arrival.
“With his experience and broad industry knowledge, we know he will help Intrepid reach our goal of becoming the most trusted and recognised corporate purpose leader in ANZ,” he added.
A B Corp-certified company, Intrepid says the appointment aligns with its focus on purpose within the Australasian team.
Eco-warrior honoured
In related news, Intrepid Travel’s Global Environmental Impact Manager Dr Susanne Etti was recently named one of nine National Geographic “Travellers of the Year”.
Awarded to individuals who inspire National Geographic’s travel experts on destinations and travel methods, Dr Etti is the only Australian selected for the list this year.
In January, the tour operator announced it would be upping its philanthropic impact in 2024 with its not-for-profit arm, The Intrepid Foundation, pledging AU$1 million to support communities worldwide in 2024 and matching public donations up to $1 million from 1 January this year.
This month, the company also unveiled a new deal with specialist training provider William Angliss Institute that will see the company offer scholarships, mentoring and excursion opportunities to students.