The world’s largest adventure travel company - Intrepid - marked the milestone at an industry event in Hanoi last week, which was attended by Intrepid’s co-founder Geoff Manchester, Asia Managing Director and Head of Global Operations Natalie Kidd, alongside local team members, industry partners, and Government officials.

Bringing Vietnam to the world

Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), praised the contributions of the Intrepid Group and Intrepid Vietnam in particular for opening up market connections and expanding tourism cooperation between Vietnam, Australia, and other nations.

"Intrepid has created effective connections and shown future prospects. By bringing authentic and emotionally touching experiences to every traveler, the achievements that enterprises like Intrepid Vietnam have gained are like laying more bricks, building new milestones for tourism sector, as well as for the relationship between Vietnam and Australia...,” said the VNAT official at the ceremony.

“Australia is a key market for Vietnam's tourism industry, and in the coming time, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism will continue to organise many tourism promotion programmes, promoting cooperation between the two countries,” he added.

Started with the Hanoi office in 2005 and then the Ho Chi Minh City office in 2006, Vietnam has always been an important destination for Intrepid Travel since the early days. Over the past two decades, Intrepid Vietnam has welcomed travellers from around the world, offering experiences that showcase the country’s rich culture, heritage, and natural beauty. In 2024, more than 26,000 international tourists visited Vietnam with Intrepid, reflecting the enduring appeal of this destination.

“Vietnam has been a cornerstone of Intrepid Travel since our early days. Celebrating 20 years here reflects the trust and collaboration of our partners, our dedicated team, and the communities who have welcomed travellers from around the world. We’re proud of what we’ve built together and excited for the next chapter of responsible travel in Vietnam,” noted Geoff Manchester, Co-Founder of Intrepid Travel.

Meanwhile, Natalie Kidd, Asia Managing Director and Head of Global Operations, said, “Vietnam was the first destination where Intrepid established a destination management company, and it has been our most popular destinations globally for the past 20 years. This milestone reflects not only our long-standing commitment to Vietnam, but also our shared vision with local partners to grow purpose-led, sustainable tourism in the years ahead”.

Creating momentum for sustainable tourism

In Vietnam, Intrepid’s mission extends beyond serving tourists; the company is deeply committed to promoting sustainable destination development throughout the country. Intrepid Travel has actively partnered with local partners to create a positive impact, such as Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, Vun Art social initiative, Save Vietnam's Wildlife (SVW).

Hanh Nguyen, General Manager of Intrepid Vietnam, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our local team and what we’ve achieved with our partners, helping hundreds of thousands of travellers from around the world experience Vietnam’s culture and beauty. I’m also proud of the work we’ve done with our Intrepid Foundation partners, Vun Art and Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation. I’m looking forward to the next 20 years and continuing to share the beauty of Vietnam with the world through responsible travel that truly benefits people and the planet.”

The ripple impact of Intrepid’s partnership with community organizations was highlighted by the Director of Vun Art, a social initiative supporting marginalized people to create art products using fabric scraps.

"The support from Intrepid provides resources to create livelihoods and vocational training for more workers... The exchanges between the two sides help overcome difficulties in the operation of Vun Art, the hardest of which is vocational training for autistic and disabled people, people suffering from the consequences of war.

Partnering with Intrepid, Vun Art not only brings these people the ability to work or a job, but also great expectations to intergrate into the community. Also, teaching tour guides can be a new career model for autistic and disabled people, in addition to receptionists and bartenders that have been taught in the past", Le Viet Cuong, Director of Vun Art, shared his thoughts.

Earlier this year, Intrepid Travel reinforced its commitment to Vietnam with an exclusive partnership with Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Centre, supporting the city’s ambition to become a leading sustainable tourism hub in Southeast Asia. Under the agreement, Intrepid Vietnam will co-develop responsible tourism products and promote regional experiences beyond the HCMC’s urban centre.

In August 2025, Intrepid Vietnam and Panhou Retreat signed a MoU with the authorities of Thong Nguyen Commune (Tuyen Quang Province) to promote the development of community-based tourism associated with the conservation of culture and natural landscapes. The parties will jointly develop local human resources through vocational training programs and tourism service skills training, with special priority given to women and youth from ethnic minorities.

ABOUT INTREPID TRAVEL       

Intrepid Travel has been a world leader in responsible travel for 36 years. The company’s mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel, which comes to life on more than 900 trips all designed to truly experience local culture. With its own network of country offices in 31 countries, Intrepid has unique local expertise and perspectives. Globally recognised for their commitment to transparency and ethical travel, they became B-Corp certified in 2018. Intrepid Travel is also the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative, and its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, has disbursed more than US$18 million to more than 160 partners.

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