The adventure specialist’s trips aimed at 18 to 29-year-olds are now badged 18 to 35; Intrepid said it hoped the expansion would help agents cater for an uptick in demand for youth-focused travel from younger clients.

Intrepid has already introduced 15 new 18 to 35 small group tours this year, including a six-day trip to Iceland, a week-long Morocco adventure and a nine-day Essential South Korea itinerary.

All tours are curated by local leaders and have been designed to meet younger travellers’ preferences, such as by creating more free time for self-guided exploration and adding more active experiences.

The operator said it had identified the need for an expanded age range following an increase in enquiries from travellers in their early-30s wanting to join its young adult trips, as well as a preference among Gen Zs and millennials to travel with people of a similar age.

Intrepid’s consumer research uncovered three top priorities for the 18 to 35 age group: unique cultural travel experiences, small-group size and value for money, closely followed by a wider range of destinations and more trips led by local leaders.

In the UK, Intrepid said sales of its youth-focused product increased by nearly two-thirds (64%) in January 2024 compares with January 2023. “We’re seeing strong demand for our youth-focused trip range, particularly through trade partner," said Hazel McGuire, UK general manager for Intrepid.

"Young people are no longer looking for the large groups and party-packed nights of the past. They want climate-conscious, authentic experiences that allow them to connect with local communities."