Intrepid Travel to surpass 2019 figures by 2026; India ranks third in global revenue
Ashish Verma
Strengthens India focus with new products and purpose-led initiatives.
Intrepid Travel is deepening its commitment to India through new itineraries, purpose-driven partnerships, and a strong focus on sustainable growth. Speaking with T3, Ashish Verma, Regional General Manager – North & South Asia at Intrepid Travel, shared insights into what differentiates the brand, India’s rising importance in its global operations, and how the company is writing its growth story.
Intrepid’s unique appeal
“We have 30 DMCs across the globe, 10 of which are in Asia,” said Verma. “Most of our operations are managed by our own DMCs, which truly sets Intrepid apart. While many competitors depend on external ground operators, we work with our own offices, our own people, and a skilled in-house team we have developed over time.”
In India, Intrepid Travel operates with a team of about 30 office staff and 85 dedicated tour leaders. “This in-house model is one of our biggest strengths,” Verma emphasised. “It ensures consistency, quality, and a shared sense of purpose across every trip we operate.”
While profitability remains important, Verma noted that Intrepid’s core philosophy extends beyond commercial goals. “Purpose beyond profit has always been our main motto. We work towards overcoming overtourism and giving back to the communities we work with,” he said.
An example Verma shared is Intrepid Travel’s partnership with Holy City Rickshaws. “We have collaborated with them to operate 10 electric rickshaws in Varanasi, supporting around 15–20 women from marginalised communities,” Verma explained. “But it’s not just about creating a product and leaving it at that, we integrate these initiatives into our own trips. For instance, if 2,000 of our passengers visit Varanasi in a year, at least half of them will experience this community-led initiative.”
India’s role & growth trajectory
India continues to play a pivotal role in Intrepid’s growth strategy. “India was our fourth DMC when Intrepid launched here nearly 20 years ago. Today, it stands third in terms of revenue, after Vietnam and Morocco, as top selling destinations,” Verma revealed.
Discussing the market’s recovery, he noted, “Tourism, especially inbound, was never a prime focus for the government earlier. But since 2023, we’ve seen a decent revival. That year marked our first proper year of operations after COVID, though we were still 40 - 45% below 2019 levels. In 2024, we saw a 20% improvement over the previous year, and by 2025, we have reached pre-pandemic numbers.”
Looking ahead, Verma expressed optimism. “2026 will be a year of growth for India. We expect to surpass 2019 figures and see stronger passenger numbers, which is why we’re introducing new products to match that demand.”
Expanding horizons with new products
To sustain momentum, Intrepid is diversifying its India portfolio. “Beyond the already highlighted places, we have launched a few new itineraries to offer fresh experiences and expand reach,” said Verma.
Ladakh is one such focus area. “We do a lot of trekking trips in Nepal, and now we are looking to develop similar trekking products in India, given its vast potential and strong adventure tourism appeal,” he shared.
Another key addition is North Kerala’s Nileshwar region. “We didn’t want to limit ourselves to over-touristed areas or which are already seeing surge in demand. We want to explore new areas,” Verma explained. Intrepid has also developed wildlife-focused itineraries and continues to see steady demand for its women’s expeditions.
He highlighted promising trends from newer regions: “Our trips in Northeast India are running quite successfully, and we’re seeing real growth there. Cycling trips are another growing segment. “Our bicycle tours across Rajasthan have been successful, helping us promote lesser-known villages, countryside trails, and sustainable mobility,” Verma shared. “We now plan to introduce similar experiences in South India.”
Cultural tours continue to be Intrepid’s core revenue driver in India, especially across Rajasthan, Central, and South India. “That’s where most of our business lies,” said Verma. “However, we’re consciously working to diversify beyond cultural tours.”
