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How Intrepid Travel Is Steering Sustainable Supply Chains in Global Tourism

How Intrepid Travel Is Steering Sustainable Supply Chains in Global Tourism

James Miller, GetExperience.com
przez 
James Miller, GetExperience.com
5 minut czytania
Aktualności
Wrzesień 17, 2025

A New Chapter for Responsible Travel

Intrepid Travel is setting a clear course toward embedding sustainability at the heart of global tourism by joining forces with the United Nations Global Compact. This move signals that the future of travel isn’t just shaped by technology but also by the sustainability of supply chains that support it.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

The partnership with the UN Global Compact deepens Intrepid Travel’s engagement with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Under a comprehensive one-year global agreement, Intrepid integrates more thoroughly into the Sustainable Supply Chains Program, joining the Coalition for Sustainable Procurement. This effort includes engaging its extensive network of about 10,000 suppliers spread across 118 countries.

Through the SPARK platform, suppliers gain access to workshops, regional sessions, and self-paced modules that accelerate their sustainability journey. This initiative doesn’t just serve as a tool, but as a springboard for small and medium businesses worldwide to foster environmentally and socially responsible practices.

The Vision Behind Sustainable Supply Chains

Intrepid Travel views this partnership as a pivotal step toward revolutionizing the travel industry. By aligning its supply chain with the UN Global Compact’s values, the company is turning responsible procurement from a mere possibility to a firm industry expectation. The collaboration underscores a broader vision: harnessing travel as a force for positive change on our planet.

Leadership in Sustainable Procurement

Notably, Intrepid Travel’s Chief People and Purpose Officer, Meegan Marshall, is taking an active role in this movement. She is slated to speak at key events such as the High-Level Forum on Sustainable Procurement in New York during the UN General Assembly, as well as the Global Compact Leaders’ Summit. Her presence highlights the company’s commitment to fostering collaborations that address pressing environmental and social challenges on a global scale.

Key Partner Roles Focus Areas
Intrepid Travel Integration with 10,000 suppliers worldwide; offering educational resources through SPARK
UN Global Compact Largest corporate sustainability initiative; guiding principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption
SPARK Platform Provides training and workshops for sustainable procurement practices

Longstanding Partnership and Ongoing Initiatives

Intrepid Travel has a history of close collaboration with the UN Global Compact, having been a participant since 2008. Over the years, the company has showcased leadership in sustainability initiatives, including adopting the Forward Faster initiative early on and being a founding member of the UN Global Compact’s Chief Marketing Officer Impact Think Lab.

The company’s hands-on involvement in global events continues, with sponsorship roles in the UNiting Business LIVE event in Australia and hosting the launch of the UN Global Compact Network Australia’s Young Professionals Network in Melbourne. These engagements reinforce Intrepid’s active role in shaping sustainable business practices across tourism.

About Intrepid Travel’s Sustainable Mission

For more than 35 years, Intrepid Travel has championed responsible travel. Their portfolio includes over 900 tours crafted to immerse travellers in authentic local cultures while fostering positive environmental and social impact. With offices in 31 countries, they lean heavily on local expertise to ensure their tours are sensitive to each destination’s unique context.

In 2018, the company earned its B-Corp certification and was the first operator to set near-term science-based climate targets under the Science Based Targets Initiative. Beyond business, the Intrepid Foundation, their non-profit arm, has raised over $18 million to support more than 160 partners worldwide.

What the UN Global Compact Represents

As a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the UN Global Compact calls on companies worldwide to align their strategies with ten universal principles concerning human rights, labor, environmental stewardship, and anti-corruption. It boasts a vast network of over 20,000 companies, with presence in 73 countries through local networks and hubs.

Implications for Tourism and Travelers

From a tourism perspective, such strong emphasis on sustainable supply chains means destinations and travel experiences are likely to evolve in ways that prioritize environmental protection, fair labor practices, and social responsibility. As sustainability becomes a norm rather than an exception, travellers can expect more ethically curated tours and services that also benefit local communities.

This development intertwines closely with evolving tourist expectations, where conscientious consumers look to support companies that embody their values about the planet and societies, ultimately enriching travel experiences.

Summary of Intrepid Travel’s Sustainability Drive

  • Deepening partnership with UN Global Compact to advance the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
  • Engagement of global supplier network to promote sustainable procurement
  • Provision of educational tools via SPARK to enhance supplier sustainability capabilities
  • Strong leadership presence at UN forums to share knowledge and encourage industry collaboration
  • Long history of pioneering responsible tourism with B Corp certification and ambitious climate targets

Why Experience Matters Most

While detailed reviews and insightful feedback speak volumes, nothing quite compares to first-hand experience. Platforms like GetExperience.com provide the opportunity to book travel experiences from verified providers, balancing transparent pricing with rich options that suit various preferences and budgets.

Whether you’re after eco-friendly wildlife safaris, luxury adventure travel experiences, or interactive cultural workshops, the convenience of secure online bookings backed by vouchers gives travellers peace of mind. Tailored tour requests allow guests to customize their trips, ensuring every adventure is as unique as they are.

Zarezerwuj podróż z GetExperience.com and dive into a world of unforgettable travel experiences.

Przemyślenia końcowe

The move by Intrepid Travel to align with the UN Global Compact exemplifies a significant push toward sustainability in tourism. With responsible supply chains, educational initiatives, and leadership in global forums, the company sets a benchmark for how travel can contribute positively to people and the planet. For travellers and the tourism industry alike, this approach fosters richer, more mindful travel experiences linked to a broader mission of global sustainability.

In a landscape where adventure activities, eco-friendly wildlife safaris, museum tours with live guides, and interactive online cultural workshops are gaining prominence, embracing sustainability guarantees a future where travel continues to inspire without compromise. It’s a journey towards mindful exploration that invites everyone to participate.