Adventure operator Wild Frontiers receives ‘significant’ growth funding

Adventure travel operator Wild Frontiers has received support from growth capital investor BGF as it seeks to expand its trade partnerships in the UK and the US.

The operator, which offers small group and tailormade itineraries to more than 60 destinations, is targeting a near-tripling of annual passenger numbers over the next four years.

The “significant” investment from BGF will be directed towards technology, data and customer experience capabilities, operational efficiencies and international expansion.

Wild Frontiers chief executive Clare Tobin, who joined as managing director nearly three years ago, said: “This investment gives us the platform to bring Wild Frontiers to more travellers around the world, without ever compromising on what makes us who we are.”

She added: “Agency sales are important to our business, and we see significant opportunity to work even more closely with agents who have clients looking for more distinctive, experience-rich travel.”

The company, which runs 375 tours a year, grew its trade business by 30% last year.

After joining, Tobin introduced a strategic plan covering technology, differentiated product and a “strong focus on people and the customer”, helping to secure “strong strategic momentum”. 

The company has also increased its focus on responsible travel, adding an off-peak collection designed to spread visitor numbers more evenly throughout the year, reduce pressure on local communities and support livelihoods beyond peak seasons.

Chris Morgan, an investor at BGF, said: “Wild Frontiers has built a highly differentiated position within the premium adventure travel market, underpinned by a trusted brand, strong customer retention and a genuinely unique offering, supported by decades of experience delivering curated tours to some of the world’s most interesting and culturally diverse destinations.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Clare and the Wild Frontiers team to support its continued growth.”