Intrepid Travel has achieved its highest-ever B Corp score of 102.5 in its latest recertification, reinforcing its leadership in purpose-driven travel.
The new score, up from 91.2 in 2021, highlights the company’s progress in employment equity, supply chain diversity, community investment and customer education, according to the small group tour operator.
B Corp certification is one of the world’s most rigorous designations for ethical businesses, assessing companies across governance, workers’ rights, community impact, customer engagement and environmental responsibility.
Only 20% of B Corps with over 1,000 employees achieve a score above 100, placing Intrepid alongside sustainability leaders like Ben & Jerry’s (96), Natura & Co (101), and Patagonia (166).
In an interview with Karryon at the 2025 IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference in Canada, Intrepid Travel Global B Corp Impact Manager Rochelle Turner says the record score is a “big deal” for the company.
“It’s a big commitment to show that we’re doing good things,” she states.
“As a B Corp, you have to recertify every three years, because the world moves on. Standards become stricter and what was good 10 years ago, isn’t good anymore – and we have to learn from the challenges and find ways of being better.”
And Intrepid has certainly done that.
“We’ve just reached a score of 102.5, so that puts us in the top 20% of companies who are large… over 1,000 employees. And it’s harder for a large company; we’ve got 3,000 employees – as Intrepid around the world, operates in 32 countries and [we have] 42 different companies that we’re all trying to certify at the same time.”
So what do the improvements look like, in real terms?
According to Turner, Intrepid introduced new parental leave policies and ensured all employees receive a living wage, aligning salaries with the Wage Indicator Index. The company also grew its workforce by 33% from 2022 to 2023, creating more jobs globally.
For communities, she says, the company doubled contributions to its foundation and partner organisations, reinforcing its goal to allocate 1% of total revenue to nonprofit causes by 2030. The contributions to non-profits rose from $728,444 in 2020 to $1.4 million in 2023.
On the environmental side, the company now provides carbon labels for all trips (500+) and has made its methodology open source for industry-wide use.
Elsewhere, Turner tells Karryon Intrepid expanded its network of diverse suppliers from 17% to 29% and prioritised deeper engagement with customers, aiming to provide transformative travel experiences that foster cultural and environmental awareness.
And don’t expect Intrepid to stop there.
Intrepid Travel Chief People & Purpose Officer Meegan Marshall adds that “as other companies are pulling back from their DEI and ESG commitments, Intrepid is doubling down on our efforts and deepening our commitment to inclusive growth, where purpose and profit go hand in hand”.
“As the world continues to grapple with geopolitical instability, the climate crisis and deepening social inequalities, now is the time for businesses to reaffirm their commitments to a more inclusive and equitable and regenerative economy that benefits all stakeholders,” she remarked.
“When Intrepid certified as a B Corp in 2018, only 19 certified companies were in the tourism sector. Today, that number is almost 200. We hope to build on this momentum and continue to use business as a force for good.”
Intrepid Travel has shifted into top gear, claiming second place on The Australian Financial Review’s Fast 100 list for 2024. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 394.51% over just two years, this Melbourne-based business is blazing a trail for purpose-driven companies proving profit and impact can go hand in hand.
Late last year, Intrepid Travel claimed second place on The Australian Financial Review’s Fast 100 list for 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of near.y 400% over just two years. Read how Intrepid became Australia’s second-fastest growing company here.
In November, the company also celebrated its 35th anniversary – and Karryon joined the party in Melbourne.
