Intrepid Travel Expands with Sawadee Acquisition Toward $1B Goal

Intrepid Travel, an adventure travel specialist, has strategically acquired Dutch tour operator Sawadee Reizen from Travelopia, marking a significant step in its ambition to exceed $1 billion in revenue by 2030. Although the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the acquisition is set to enhance Intrepid’s annual revenue by $62 million and add approximately 20,000 customers, along with a $3 million boost to its EBITDA.
James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid, expressed the acquisition’s alignment with the company’s strategic goals. “Intrepid aims to be the world’s largest vertically integrated experiential travel company. Bringing our two brands together is a major step towards that,” he stated. Meanwhile, Andy Duncan, CEO of Travelopia, lauded Sawadee’s commitment to exceptional customer experiences and its potential for growth under new ownership.
Sawadee will continue its operations under the leadership of Managing Director Berend Simons, who will report to Zina Bencheikh, Intrepid’s MD for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company will maintain its Amsterdam base, operating under its existing name and brand, ensuring continuity for its customers and employees.
Berend Simons highlighted the synergistic potential of the merger, “Intrepid is a leading global travel business with exceptionally strong values. We’re excited about the next part of the Sawadee journey and growing together. Our leading position in the Dutch market, coupled with Intrepid’s global expertise, means we will continue to deliver amazing trips for our customers and create impact for the communities we visit.”
This acquisition positions the Netherlands as the fourth largest source market for Intrepid, following Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, significantly strengthening its global presence and market reach.
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