The UK is expected to become the Intrepid Group’s biggest outbound market within two years, according to group managing director James Thornton.
It is almost a year since the group split from the Tui Group after a four-year partnership, and since then the adventure operator has embarked on an aggressive growth strategy in the UK.
The operator has also just announced plans to move its UK head office from Alton in Hampshire to Brixton in south London in a significant investment to attract fresh talent.
Thornton said the relocation was linked to the anticipated growth in the group’s UK business, its second-largest outbound market behind Australia.
He said: “The UK has huge potential. I would expect, over the next couple of years, that the UK will eclipse Australia in terms of being our biggest outbound market and this is part of the driver in moving to Brixton.”
The Australian market represents 40% of the group’s business in revenue terms and the UK accounts for 24%. The group as a whole carries 270,000 passengers a year.
Globally, group sales are 22% up year on year, with UK sales enjoying “double-digit” growth, added Thornton.
Agents make up about half of the group’s UK sales. “Agents play an important role,” he added.
All but two of Intrepid’s 45 UK staff have decided to move with the firm to London from September 1. The company will help employees with initial travel expenses.
Intrepid is also likely to recruit 10 to 15 more staff over the coming year. As well as taking on a training manager, it is also recruiting a trade marketing executive.
Thornton said: “We believe a great working space is what you need to attract dynamic talent.”