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.