Fierce, adventurous females; these trips are for you! Intrepid Travel has launched new women’s only expeditions to Pakistan and Israel and The Palestinian Territories in the third release of destinations to coincide with International Women’s Day.
The two new destinations have been added to the existing portfolio of Iran, Jordan, Nepal, Kenya, Morocco, Turkey, and India with customer numbers on the women’s only expedition range growing 116% in 2019.
“This is Intrepid’s fastest-growing range to date, and we have seen women connect with women in powerful and moving ways,”
Jenny Gray, Intrepid Travel senior product manager.
“Now in its third year, local female leaders offer insight and a unique understanding of women in these regions with respect to their cultural and religious values. We have found experiences that share stories of female empowerment, and directly benefit local women by seeking out female-owned accommodation, restaurants, suppliers, and businesses in Pakistan and Israel and The Palestinian territories,” Gray added.
Gender Equality
This emphasis is in line with Intrepid Travel’s new gender equality goals. Last year the travel company met its target of doubling female tour leaders, to increase opportunities for women in tourism where they were previously limited. There were 154 female leaders in 2017, in January 2020 that number was 342.
In 2020, Intrepid will enhance those goals with new commitments to increase employment opportunities for women in the travel industry. This includes doubling the number of female porters globally who assist travellers on mountain hikes in Tanzania, Peru, and Nepal, to name a few.
“It’s crucial for us to enable women in all levels of the business – from our leaders on the ground all the way to gender parity on our board,”
James Thornton, Intrepid Travel CEO.
The supply chain is an ongoing focus for Intrepid, in line with B Corp certification. The travel company will perform a rigorous audit to assess how many suppliers are women-owned or women-led in 2020. In 2021, Intrepid will work with its biggest suppliers to maximise opportunities for women and reduce gender inequality.
The new adventures
Pakistan: Women’s Expedition
The new tour is a 15-day women’s expedition to Pakistan’s remote northern mountains. See the communities and landscapes associated with the hallowed Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountains and meet the local women working on empowerment projects such as cooking schools, carpet weaving, and cafes throughout the region.
Share food, stories, drive the world-famous Karakoram Highway in search of unique wildlife and trek to alpine lakes, ancient glaciers and the remnants of ruined empires, before exploring modern Pakistan in the capital of Islamabad.
Israel and The Palestinian Territories: Women’s Expedition
The new tour is an 8-day women’s expedition to Israel and the Palestinian Territories and will immerse you in the different cultures of the region through the eyes of some incredible women.
Meet Palestinian peace activists, break bread with Bedouin women and learn about Israeli women working to secure the right to pray at the Western Wall. Visit an artist’s village in Arad, explore the West Bank city of Ramallah with a local peace activist, then enjoy a home-cooked meal and discussion with activists from the Women Wage Peace organisation.
Historical sites of Jerusalem will be witnessed on a unique dual-narrative tour, with both an Israeli guide and a Palestinian guide. Learn about Bedouin culture with Bedouin women involved in grassroots activities in tourism and agriculture creating livelihoods.
Click here for more information.