B Corp status, says the group, underlines its “triple bottom line” approach, meaning it has a duty not only to ensure success for shareholders, but benefits all stakeholders long-term.

The group’s brands, which offer travel to more than 100 countries around the world, include Intrepid Travel, Urban Adventures and its recently established 18-29 offering.

Achieving B Corp status comes three years after the group, founded more than 30 years ago, split from Tui and was bought back by its original founders.

“Three years ago, the Intrepid Group returned to independent ownership because we no longer wanted to focus on delivering short-term quarterly profits,” said chief executive James Thornton, who said the B Corp stamp was a “mark of trust” illustrating its commitment to being a business “that benefits people and the planet”.

“We wanted to invest in creating a business that would have long-term benefits for all our stakeholders.”

B Corp certified companies must submit independent assessments of its social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

Intrepid employs around 1,800 people worldwide and delivered AUS $341 million revenue last year, making it the largest B Corp travel company.