Intrepid Travel has taken a major step into the European market with its largest-ever acquisition, purchasing Dutch tour operator Sawadee Reizen from Travelopia.
The deal, completed on 31 January, is set to add US$100 million (around AU$160 million) in revenue and 20,000 extra customers annually, aligning with Intrepid’s goal to surpass US$1 billion (AU$1.6 billion) in revenue by 2030.
Amsterdam-based Sawadee is one of the Netherlands’ largest experiential tour operators, offering over 250 trips across 100 countries. The acquisition makes the Netherlands Intrepid’s fourth-largest source market, after Australia, US and UK.
An Intrepid partner since 2011, Sawadee will continue to operate under its own name and branding, with Managing Director Berend Simons reporting to Intrepid’s Zina Bencheikh, MD of EMEA.

“We’re delighted to welcome the Sawadee team to Intrepid after more than a decade working successfully together,” Intrepid CEO James Thornton said.
“Intrepid aims to be the world’s largest vertically integrated experiential travel company and bringing our two brands together is a major step towards that. We also both believe that travel can be a force for good in the world.”
With both companies posting record financial results in 2024, Thornton sees the acquisition as a key move to further responsible small-group travel in Europe.
According to Intrepid, Sawadee Reizen also shares its commitment to responsible travel and aims to pursue B Corp certification, building on its highest-level Travelife sustainability certification since 2014.

“Intrepid is a leading global travel business, with exceptionally strong values,” Sawadee Managing Director Berend Simons said.
“We’re excited about the next part of the Sawadee journey and growing together. Our leading position in the Dutch market, coupled with Intrepid’s global expertise, means we will continue to deliver amazing trips for our customers and create impact for the communities we visit.”
Travelopia CEO Andy Duncan wished Sawadee Reizen “success and continued growth under Intrepid ownership”.
“Sawadee is passionate about delivering exceptional experiences for its customers, expanding horizons and connecting communities,” he added.

Intrepid, a certified B Corp, saw nearly 400 per cent compound annual profit growth in 2024 in just two years, making it Australia’s second-fastest-growing company.
Last week, the business added two new Key Partnership Managers to its team in Australia. Read all about that here. Intrepid Travel also recently launched a 12-month agent incentive for advisors to earn one of more than 50 adventures when they sell 15 eligible trips by 31 December 2025.