Australian adventure travel company– Intrepid has Kenya on its cards in its ambitious expansion plan, as it targets to go into accommodation.
The firm, which prides itself as a responsible tourism company, has announced plans to expand its operations in East Africa as part of its global ambition to double its global customers, with target of achieving revenues of over $1 billion (Sh131.5 billion).
Intrepid, the world’s largest adventure travel company and leader in responsible tourism, currently employs 30 office staff and 120 local trip leaders in the region, and each year operates 450 trips supporting almost 5,000 travellers to explore East Africa.
Intrepid Co-Founder and Chair, Darrell Wade was in Kenya on a special visit last week, to meet with key stakeholders and to highlight the importance of sustainable and responsible tourism.
Intrepid plans to deepen its vertical integration to expand into areas including accommodation and to grow its presence in key countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.
Plans are in place to opportunities in lodges, camps and beach property, Darrell said.
This, as Kenya’s international tourist arrivals are projected to grow to 2.2 million this year from the 1.95 million recorded last year, as the picks from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Earnings from the sector are expected to hit Sh359.1 billion this year and further increase to Sh396.1 billion next year.
Over the next 10 years, Africa’ tourism sector is set to grow by over five per cent annually, with Kenya and her East African neighbours expected to tap a significant number in arrivals and revenue.
“We plan to invest in East Africa’s accommodation space in the next one to two years, as we target to have multitude accommodation investments by 2030,” Intrepid Co-Founder and Chair, Darrell Wade said.
“East Africa is home to a rich biodiversity and culture. Through sustainable travel practices, visitors engage with East Africa’s natural wonders responsibly, leaving a positive footprint for generations to come.”
According to Wade, tourism activities must emphasise responsible practices that safeguard habitats and wildlife while supporting culture and promotion of sustainable livelihoods within communities.
Key challenges include overdevelopment leading to habitat destruction, strain on local resources, cultural commodification, and carbon emissions from transportation.
The firm plans to cut carbon emissions by half in the medium-term.
“Balancing economic growth with environmental and social concerns is crucial, alongside educating travellers about responsible behaviours and fostering community involvement in tourism planning and management, ”said Wade.
During a media briefing by the firm, Tourism CS Alfred Mutua said Kenya is keen to tap Australian tourists.
“We have not really marketed Kenya in Australia. We have a lot of marketing to do but the plans are in place,” he said.
Australian High Commissioner to Kenya Jenny Da Rin challenged Kenya to tap the huge potential in the Australian market, where travellers made nearly 10 million international trips last year, all over the world.
According to Deloitte’s Tourism Market Outlook, Australia’s outbound travel is expected to increase to 11.6 million this year, and grow to 13.1 million by 2026.
Australian travellers spent $60 billion(Sh7.9 trillion) on trips overseas in 2022-23.
“ We are spending more and staying longer than travellers from Europe, Canada and the US. Over 22,000 Australians visited Kenya last year making Australia one of the most improved source markets. Kenya needs to tap more this market,” Da Rin said.
Meanwhile, Intrepid plans to continue with its support for the local communities the Intrepid Foundation, which has raised more than $15 million (Sh1.9 billion)for communities around the world since 2002.
In Kenya, the Intrepid Foundation works with Patinaai Osim to create sustainable livelihoods in Kajiado County for communities ravaged by impact of climate change.
They also support the East Africa Wildlife Society, which focuses on anti-poaching initiatives in various conservancies within the larger Maasai Mara National Reserve.