Intrepid Travel has pledged to invest in the UK market as part of a new and “aggressive” growth strategy.
The adventure-travel company last week announced it had separated from Tui Travel after a four-year partnership.
Tui denied that the split signalled the start of the disposal of other Specialist Holidays Group operators.
Intrepid’s co-founders Darrell Wade and Geoff Manchester have resumed full ownership of the Intrepid Group and hope to double UK sales in the next three years.
Wade said the split meant Intrepid could focus on “its own philosophies and explore new opportunities”.
“Tui is a strong company but our two businesses are different in their strategic direction,” he said. “The trade will definitely see a more aggressive view to the market from us. We want to grow in the UK.”
UK managing director Michael Edwards promised more agent fam trips and training opportunities. There are also plans to expand the operator’s sales team.
“Independent agents are a big opportunity for us,” he said. “It’s no secret that Tui hasn’t had the best relationship with independent agents because its model has been more about direct business.”
Tui has created an Adventure Specialist Division as part of its Specialist Holidays Group. It will be led by managing director Hans Lagerweij, who will report to Martin Froggatt.
The division will include the brands that previously operated under the PEAK Adventures umbrella – Exodus, Headwater, TrekAmerica, Grand American Adventures and Sawadee – in addition to Quark Expeditions, Zegrahm Expeditions and International Expeditions.
UK-based World Challenges and AmeriCan Adventures are also included.