Intrepid wins big at Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2024

Intrepid Country General Manager for Sri Lanka Poornaka Delpachitra (left) receiving the Best Destination Loyal Partner award

Intrepid team with the award 

Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure travel company, a key player in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, has been awarded at the prestigious Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2024, winning the Best Destination Loyal Partner, under Travel and Tourism Operator category and being shortlisted as a finalist in Best Sustainable Practices in Specified Tourist Services. These accolades reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to promoting Sri Lanka as a premier travel destination while embedding sustainability at the heart of its operations. 

The awards ceremony, held on 20 December at Cinnamon Life, celebrated businesses and individuals who have been instrumental in revitalising Sri Lanka’s tourism industry amidst global challenges. Intrepid’s recognition underscores its pivotal role in fostering sustainable tourism and showcasing Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural treasures to the world. 

Winning the Destination Loyal Partner category highlights Intrepid’s long-standing partnership with Sri Lanka, bringing thousands of international travellers to experience the island’s unparalleled beauty, diverse culture, and rich heritage. The company’s innovative itineraries prioritise authentic local experiences while driving economic benefits to communities and preserving the environment. 

Adding to the celebration, Intrepid Travel Managing Director – Asia Natalie Kidd shared her thoughts: “This recognition is a testament to the incredible work of our team in Colombo and Globally. It highlights how Intrepid’s dedication to sustainable travel and meaningful connections with local communities continues to elevate Sri Lanka as a destination of choice. Together, we’re not just inspiring travellers but also creating lasting impacts for the people and places we visit.” 

In 2024, Intrepid achieved remarkable growth, welcoming over 4,000 travellers to Sri Lanka, a 209% increase from 2023, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels. With ambitious plans to welcome over 15,000 travellers by 2030, the company aims to run 550+ small group adventure trips in 2025 which is over 75% growth from 2024, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s tourism and growth. 

Intrepid Country General Manager for Sri Lanka Poornaka Delpachitra emphasised the significance of this achievement: “We are incredibly proud and humbled to be recognised at the National Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2024. This achievement reflects our ambition to continue growing Sri Lanka as a key destination in our source markets, driving more travellers to the island and ensuring that the benefits are shared with local communities, while prioritising responsible and sustainable tourism practices.” 

Some of intrepid’s positive social impact initiatives include Intrepid Foundation’s partnership with Zero Plastic Movement to create a behavioural change in combating plastic pollution, industry collaboration with Market Development Facility along with full endorsement of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to promote gender equality and empower women in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, and being a leader in climate-conscious travel options and pioneering the use of electric vehicles in the island. Additionally, Intrepid recently pledge to support the Pekoe Trail as an official premium partner, further amplify new experiences what Sri Lanka has to offer in the global stage and increase its sustainable efforts. 

Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest adventure travel company, operating in more than 100 countries and offering diverse itineraries that cater to adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travellers. As a certified B Corporation, Intrepid is committed to using business as a force for good, empowering communities, and preserving the environment. 

As one of the largest offices for Intrepid Travel globally, Intrepid Colombo employs over 250 staff and 35+ local tour leaders, with women representing over a third of its leadership team. The office also acts as a “Centre of Excellence”, supporting Intrepid’s global operations across multiple functions and a fully-fledged destination management company. 

This milestone win at the Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2024 reaffirms Intrepid’s dedication to sustainable travel and its role in making Sri Lanka a globally renowned travel destination. The company remains steadfast in its mission to inspire and empower travellers to explore the world responsibly while contributing to the sustainable growth of the tourism industry.