Intrepid Travel’s 2025 Global Summit is heading to Sri Lanka, gathering more than 200 team members from over 50 countries for four days of discussions on leadership, strategy, and sustainable tourism. Running from 24–27 February, the event signals Sri Lanka’s growing role in global travel and Intrepid’s operations.
Why Sri Lanka is becoming a major player in Intrepid’s global strategy
For only the second time, the Global Summit is being held outside of Intrepid’s Melbourne headquarters. The company has operated in Sri Lanka since 2012, and its local office has since become the largest outside Australia, housing 276 office-based staff and 45 local tour leaders. Key functions including technology, revenue management, HR, finance, and customer service are managed from Sri Lanka, cementing its importance in Intrepid’s global network.
Sri Lanka’s popularity with Intrepid travellers has also soared, with visitor numbers jumping 206% in 2024 compared to 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Intrepid’s Sri Lanka destination management company (DMC) is now aiming to bring 15,000 travellers to the country by 2030, benefiting local communities, tour leaders, and small businesses.
Hosting the summit in Colombo gives Intrepid’s team firsthand experience of the destination’s tourism potential. Intrepid Travel Sri Lanka General Manager Poornaka Delpachitra sees it as an opportunity to showcase the country’s diverse offerings.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s incredible offerings, share our vibrant culture, and celebrate our biggest people event of the year right here in my home country,” says Delpachitra.
With Sri Lanka’s tourism sector rebounding strongly and Intrepid positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable travel, the Global Summit sets the stage for deeper engagement, innovation, and growth in the region.
What’s happening at the summit?
The summit will include leadership workshops, strategy sessions, and community engagement initiatives, all focused on strengthening company culture and advancing sustainable tourism. Team members will also take part in familiarisation trips to better connect with Sri Lanka’s culture and communities.
Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton says the event is a pivotal moment for the company’s future planning and global collaboration.
“Our team in Sri Lanka are such an important part of our company, and our customers also love visiting this incredible and vibrant country,” Thornton says.
“Our vision for Sri Lanka extends beyond tourism; it’s about driving sustainable growth and creating meaningful, lasting impact. The growing number of Intrepid travellers choosing Sri Lanka highlights its immense potential, and we remain committed to ensuring local communities share in the benefits of this success.”
Why this matters to travel professionals and the industry
For travel advisors, tour operators, and industry professionals, the Global Summit serves as a barometer for emerging trends in sustainable tourism and destination development. With Sri Lanka increasingly positioned as a key market, travel professionals may find new opportunities for partnerships, product development, and immersive experiences to offer their clients.
This event also reinforces the role of responsible tourism in shaping the future of travel. As demand grows for ethical, community-driven experiences, the strategies discussed at the summit could influence how businesses across the industry incorporate sustainability into their operations.
For the wider travel sector, Intrepid’s investment in Sri Lanka signals confidence in the destination’s long-term potential. Airlines, hotel groups, and tour operators watching this growth may take cues from Intrepid’s approach, potentially leading to increased connectivity, infrastructure, and investment in the region.
