Achieving over 100 points in its latest B Corp recertification, Intrepid has positioned itself among the global leaders of large B Corp brands. This accomplishment underscores Intrepid's commitment to responsible business practices, encompassing care for employees, fostering inclusivity in supply chains, and leveraging operations to create positive change. By opting for a B Corp-certified travel company like Intrepid, travelers are aligning themselves with a movement that prioritizes sustainability and community engagement. Key aspects include reducing environmental impact through innovative measures, empowering local communities economically, promoting gender equality, and championing broader social and environmental advancements.
In recent years, the concept of B Corps has gained significant traction. These entities are distinguished by their dedication to balancing profit with purpose. For Intrepid, achieving B Corp status in 2018 marked a pivotal moment, propelling them to elevate their initiatives aimed at creating meaningful societal contributions. Central to this mission is minimizing the carbon footprint associated with travel activities. Intrepid actively seeks to offset emissions by investing in nature-based projects globally and progressively eliminating short-haul flights from popular itineraries. Consequently, an impressive 76% of their top-selling trips now operate without flights, offering passengers a slower, more immersive travel experience.
Beyond environmental considerations, Intrepid's approach extends to enriching the communities they visit. Their trip designs prioritize local interactions, utilizing regional transport systems, guides, and collaborations with organizations dedicated to community upliftment. Through The Intrepid Foundation, they channel funds towards numerous partners worldwide, ensuring every donation directly aids those in need. Since inception, this foundation has amassed over AU $17 million, significantly impacting over 160 partners across visited destinations.
Addressing global gender disparities forms another crucial pillar of Intrepid's strategy. As a B Corp, they conduct thorough analyses to ensure equitable pay practices and foster employment opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly women. Efforts have led to notable increases in female leadership roles within their operations, notably in regions such as Nepal, India, and Morocco. Additionally, Intrepid strives to guarantee fair wages across its workforce, adhering to benchmarks set by the Wage Indicator.
The journey toward becoming a B Corp involves stringent commitments to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. Intrepid continually refines methodologies to assess the social and environmental impacts of their supply chain. Innovations include incorporating reusable products into trip offerings and transitioning to electric vehicles for transportation needs. Furthermore, carbon labeling on trips empowers travelers to make informed decisions regarding their environmental impact.
Through these comprehensive strategies, Intrepid exemplifies how sustainable tourism can harmonize business success with societal benefits. Travelers choosing Intrepid contribute not only to memorable experiences but also to transformative changes benefiting both people and the planet. Embracing such values ensures a brighter future for all stakeholders involved in the travel ecosystem.
In a transformative journey through Western Australia's Kimberley region, Caterina rediscovers her connection to her homeland. This remote and untouched part of the country offers a stark contrast to the bustling city life she knows. The trip reveals the beauty and depth of Australia's natural landscapes and rich Indigenous culture, challenging preconceived notions about domestic travel. Through encounters with ancient boab trees, vibrant flora, and the wisdom of Traditional Custodians, Caterina gains a newfound appreciation for the land and its history.
A Journey into the Kimberley's Untouched Wilderness
During a golden autumn day, Caterina embarked on a five-day adventure from Broome to the Bungle Bungles, venturing deep into one of Australia’s most remote regions. As she soared above the rugged terrain, the sight of red dirt roads and vast plains unfolded before her, evoking a sense of awe and familiarity. This was her first encounter with the quintessential Australian landscape that had always felt distant growing up in Melbourne.
The group traveled in an overland truck, custom-built to navigate the challenging terrain. Along the way, they encountered boab trees, unique to this area, some of which were over a thousand years old. These ancient giants became a symbol of resilience and timelessness. Caterina also discovered mulla mulla flowers, whose Aboriginal name translates to "beautiful but useless," adding a touch of humor to the journey.
As they entered Purnululu National Park, home to the iconic Bungle Bungles rock formations, the group experienced a profound connection with nature. Standing amidst towering sandstone structures, they felt humbled by the vastness and majesty of the land. A visit to Mimbi Caves provided insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Gooniyandi people, guided by Rose, a Traditional Custodian who shared stories of her ancestors and the impact of colonization.
This immersive experience highlighted the importance of preserving Indigenous languages and traditions, reminding Caterina of the depth of Australia’s history and the need to explore it more deeply.
From a journalist's perspective, this journey offered not only breathtaking views but also a deeper understanding of Australia's complex past and present. It challenged the notion that adventure must always be found abroad and reinforced the idea that there is much to discover within one's own borders. Caterina’s newfound appreciation for her homeland serves as a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful travels are those closest to home.
Immersed in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, a transformative journey unfolds as visitors experience the profound connection between people and the land. Our group arrived at a remote campsite, nestled within the Rodna Homelands, where the absence of modern distractions allowed us to reconnect with nature in its purest form. Surrounded by vast expanses of red earth, scrubby vegetation, and an endless blue sky, we felt an immediate sense of tranquility and liberation.
The Rodna Homelands, covering nearly 380 square kilometers, hold a unique status as protected Indigenous-operated land. Under the guidance of Benji Kenny, a Western Arrernte Traditional Custodian, we learned about the deep-rooted history and significance of this region. The land here is not merely a backdrop but a living entity that nurtures and sustains its people. Benji shared stories passed down through generations, revealing how every rock, river, and star carries ancestral meaning. Through his teachings, we understood that caring for the land is reciprocated by the land’s care for us.
Over the next few days, our exploration took us on hikes along ancient riverbeds, visits to sacred sites, and moments of reflection under starlit skies. Each experience deepened our appreciation for the intricate balance of life in this seemingly harsh environment. At Palm Valley, we marveled at the resilience of red cabbage palms thriving in an oasis. In Ntaria (Hermannsburg), we explored historical landmarks and met local artists, gaining insights into the enduring spirit of the First Peoples. As we ventured further into Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges), we encountered awe-inspiring landscapes that reminded us of the interconnectedness of all things.
Leaving Rodna, we realized that the Red Centre is far from empty or barren. It is a place of profound richness, where spirits, landmarks, and stories weave together to create a tapestry of life. The land here is alive, and it invites us to be part of its ongoing narrative. This journey taught us that true abundance lies not in material possessions but in the harmony we can achieve with the natural world. Embracing this perspective allows us to see the beauty and wisdom in every corner of this remarkable landscape.