Intrepid is back with first post-pandemic departure

TORONTO — Intrepid Travel kicked off its first departure post-pandemic yesterday, with a group of six travellers heading out from Athens.

All six travellers are from the UK. The tour is the five-day Greece Retreat: Syros Island itinerary. It’s one of the Intrepid Retreats tours, newly introduced for post-pandemic travel. The tours focus on one location, with handpicked accommodation ranging from small boutique properties to glamping, with nearby experiences. More information is at intrepidtravel.com/theme/retreats.

Intrepid’s Safe Travels health protocol, developed in partnership with the WTTC, means all travellers complete a health screening at the start of the trip and are required to wear masks in certain settings, in line with local laws and regulations. Groups are accompanied by a local leader who has received specific COVID-19 training, which covers hygiene, sanitation, physical distancing, PPE as well as supplier monitoring.

Intrepid is back on tour with first post-pandemic departure

The off-the-beaten-path destination of Syros also dovetails with Intrepid’s commitment to sustainability. “We all have a role to play in a more equitable future for the travel industry. For us, overtourism is one issue we are closely watching. The fact our first trip is to Syros, and not somewhere like Santorini, shows our commitment to combatting mass tourism,” says James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel.

Intrepid’s second tour departs today, Aug.7. It’s the four-day Cycle the Peak District in the UK Highlands.

“The global pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on our industry, but we can’t help but find some hope and inspiration in seeing our first group depart on an international adventure,” says Thornton.

Intrepid’s Flexible Bookings policy allows changes to travel plans 21 days before a scheduled departure, allowing for new travel dates or an entirely different trip with no change fees.

For future bookings, Intrepid announced last week that it will fast-track commissions for the month of August, providing agents $200 upfront on Intrepid and Peregrine Adventures bookings.

The offer applies to bookings made Aug. 1 – 31, 2020 for trips departing Jan. 1, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2022 on both sister brands. Minimum booking value is $2,000, excluding Tailor-Made trips, Australia trips and 18-29s trips.