Intrepid Group chief executive James Thornton told TTG sales increased 12% in the UK during the first three months of the year – well ahead of last year’s overall growth of 7% for its UK business, which Thornton described as “softer than in previous years”.

The update comes following publication of Intrepid’s second integrated annual report.

“Our sales in the UK were stronger in the first quarter, which seems counter-intuitive with everything going on,” he said.

“Being up 12% in the UK was a pretty good result. Sales were even stronger in March – up by 18% – so it’s definitely picked up.

“It’s hard to know what’s going to happen with Brexit. We’re trying not to focus on external factors and just trying to be the best business we can be.”

Thornton said Intrepid had seen a “resurgence” in demand for destinations such as Turkey, Egypt and Morocco, while Japan was also proving “extremely popular”.

During 2018, Intrepid Group increased gross revenue by 18% to £220 million, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) up by 22% year-on-year to £8.8 million.

This was achieved through strong growth across Intrepid’s brands, including Peregrine Adventures and Urban Adventures, with a 26% increase in total customers to 431,000.

The strongest rise was for day tours specialist Urban Adventures with passenger numbers increasing by 54% to more than 266,000 and revenue up 58%.

Last year also saw Intrepid close Gecko Adventures with its trips moved over to Intrepid Travel’s new 18-29s sub-brand.

“In almost every way, 2018 has been our best year ever,” Thornton added. “Our growth has put us in a healthy financial position which is allowing us to further scale our business. We’re also growing the positive impact we’re having as a purpose-led business.”

But Thornton admitted the “biggest challenge” now for both Intrepid and the wider industry was how to ensure “sustainable growth”.

“While growth is nice, it creates a dilemma for anyone who loves travel,” he added.

“Overtourism is a real concern for our industry. We need to work together with communities to provide innovative product that create better places to live and travel.”

Thornton added Intrepid’s focus this year was on offering agents more “product innovation”, as well as highlighting its tailor-making capabilities, alongside its group trips.

“We’re increasingly seeing passengers wanting more flexible and independent trips,” he said. “Tailor-making is something we already do but we need to raise the awareness.

“In 2018, tailor-made grew by 33% for us and there’s a huge opportunity for people who want to travel in a more personalised way.”