Intrepid Travel has just achieved its highest-ever B Corp score of 102.5, joining the ranks of leading large B Corps globally.
One of the most comprehensive designations for purpose-led businesses, B Corp recognises organisations that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
Yet in recent years, it has been under increased scrutiny, with some arguing companies seek certification for branding rather than impact.
At Intrepid, profit and purpose go hand in hand. As our business grows, so must our impact. B Corp recertification was one of our company goals, driven from the top.
Involving more than 55 colleagues and 36 certified companies across 32 countries, it mattered to everyone. As more companies divest in DEI – diversity, equity and inclusion – and sustainability initiatives, Intrepid has doubled down.
We’re not just celebrating B Corp as a badge of honour — we’re proving we walk the talk, that we’re accountable not only to our travellers and staff, but also to our suppliers, the environment and the local communities we visit.
Rising to the challenge
Ultimately, our industry can’t keep working the way we always have. Travel businesses must do better.
Our industry is complex, and the road to high social and environmental standards is not without its obstacles. Continuous improvement is needed, and B Corp provides a framework for this.
As an asset-light tour operator, much of our impact comes from factors outside our direct control — we don’t own all the accommodation, vehicles, restaurants, or activities we use.
In our most recent B Corp recertification, we’ve risen to the challenge of scaling our impact beyond our business.
We’ve focused on engaging our suppliers — sharing knowledge, offering training, and testing sustainability initiatives. Through better measurement and targeted action, we’ve increased supplier diversity, creating a more inclusive and ethical supply chain that reflects the communities we visit.
Our customers feel the impact, and Intrepid’s locally-led operations and offices are key to driving change with a commitment to use responsible suppliers at every step.
’Not just a label’
The travel trade’s support is crucial for us on our B Corp journey; that’s why we created a sustainability handbook for travel agents to help empower their clients to travel more responsibly.
We don’t want agents to book with Intrepid just because we are a B Corp — we want them to book with us because our trips connect travellers to incredible places, where they’ll have locally-led experiences that benefit the local communities, and share unforgettable experiences with like-minded people.
In the spirit of continuous improvement, B Lab is reviewing its standards. All new and existing B Corps will soon be judged by stricter criteria, showing where companies truly go above and beyond.
For Intrepid, this is an opportunity to exceed expectations, be transparent about challenges, and use our B Corp status as proof of action, not just as a label.
When Intrepid first certified as a B Corp in 2018, only 19 certified companies were in the tourism sector. Today, that number is over 200. B Corp is leading a movement of purpose-driven businesses creating real change.
The world’s biggest challenges demand collective action — I welcome all like-minded businesses to join us and be part of the solution.
Rochelle Turner is Intrepid Travel’s global B Corp impact manager.
