Intrepid Unpacked - Volume 3

A message from our CEO, James Thornton:

Welcome to the latest edition of Intrepid Unpacked. Every September, our global teams come together for The Intrepid Foundation Month, a time to celebrate our not-for-profit and encourage participation in activities that connect us to our purpose. 

This year, we celebrated a major milestone: over $20 million disbursed to our partners since 2002. It’s a testament to the power of collective impact and the generosity of our travel community. 

One of our flagship events each September is the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation Marathon and this year, more than 900 walkers joined events across the globe to raise funds to combat human trafficking in Vietnam. I laced up my trainers to walk our first-ever ‘Manhattan Marathon’ alongside Darrell W. and Michael Brosowski – a big thank you to everyone who donated and supported our walk.  

Back at HQ, we launched the 2026 Not Hot List, our new range of Short Break Trips for time-pressed travellers, and Intrepid Only 2.0, our boldest brand campaign yet, spotlighting the experiences that set us apart. 

Thanks to our team for their amazing work over the past few months, and I hope you enjoy this month’s read and the impact we’re creating together. 

Top news 📰

Celebrating $20m disbursed through the Intrepid Foundation ✨

The Intrepid Foundation was established to connect travellers to the issues at the heart of destinations and provide them with the opportunity to be part of positive change.

Our approach has always been about empowering local people to solve local problems, and this $20 million is representative of the 164 trailblazing partners in 73 countries that we’ve supported since inception to enact real change.

To our donors, partners and supporters: Thank you for being part of the journey so far! 🙌 We're just getting started.

Inside our DMC network: Vietnam

This month, Intrepid Travel marked another major milestone, the 20th anniversary of our first Destination Management Company, launched in Vietnam in 2005.

We celebrated in Hanoi alongside co-founder Geoff Manchester , Asia Managing Director Natalie Kidd , our incredible local team led by Hanh Nguyen , and valued industry partners. Special guests included representatives from the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, the Australian Embassy, and regional tourism departments. 

Vietnam has played a pivotal role in Intrepid’s journey, not only as one of our most popular destinations, but as a place where we’ve built deep partnerships, supported local communities, and helped travellers experience the country’s rich culture and natural beauty.

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together over the past two decades, and we’re just as excited about what’s to come as we continue to grow responsible, purpose-led tourism in Vietnam and beyond.

A word from our people

Vice President, Global Communications Mikey Sadowski

Chief People and Purpose Officer, Meegan Marshall

People Partner, Peru, Erika Olaechea Gil

Chief Marketing Officer, Hazel McGuire

Head of People, EMEA, Adolfo Penzato, Chartered MCIPD Adolfo Penzato