Intrepid is heading off on a new adventure with the socially conscious youth market via exclusively designed tours for 18-29 year-olds AND it’s shelving the Gecko Adventures brand.
Yes, the end of Gecko Adventures is fast approaching.
From 1 October, the tour operator will merge the Gecko Adventures brand into its new range of 18-29-year-old trips because Intrepid has four times the number of young travellers and it has more global reach.
As Gecko Adventures retires, Intrepid’s new range will meet a growing appetite for “sustainable, immersive local experience” among Aussies between the ages of 18-29 who want to travel with like-minded people their own age.
Sustainable. Local Experiences. Only 18-29-year-olds. Hmm ?, sounds a little like… what’s that brand? Oh, Contiki!
Intrepid seems to be taking on the youth travel leader with the new affordable (priced the same as the Basix range) and stress-free itineraries ranging from backpacking to big bus holidays.
Thornton said the new trips emerged from a 17 percent increase in global sales from the younger market and the hope that they’ll help influence other age groups into booking similar sustainable tours and “reducing demand for activities like orphanages or riding elephants”.
“Focusing the power of our global brand on the youth market is just another way that we can invest in sustainable travel for the long-term.”
James Thornton, Intrepid Travel Chief Executive
“Intrepid has a much bigger audience and this decision means we can have better conversations with 18 to 29s about the things that matter.”
Enticing the market over to #TeamIntrepid, the operator has agreed to make a donation for every 18-29-year-old booking to Friends-International, a social enterprise saving lives and building futures for marginalised young people.
What does #TeamContiki think of Intrepid’s leap into youth travel?
KARRYON has contacted them and is awaiting reply.
In the meantime, the new Intrepid 18 to 29s brochure will be out on 16 July but Travel Agents can click here for more information.
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