Real life experience is the creed of Intrepid Travel. Authentic travel experiences are the trademark of the globally operating tour operator that has a branch in Germany. At the same time, the company is committed to environmental protection and social responsibility. The EcoTrophea 2013 - the international prize for eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives in the travel industry - is awarded by the German Travel Association (DRV) to the specialist for active and adventure travel for its holistic and high sustainability standards.
The award is to make tourism companies aware of the issue of sustainability in the travel industry and attract the attention of holidaymakers to specific eco-friendly and socially compatible travel offers. The jury was convinced by Intrepid Travel's commitment to a sustainable development in the travel industry, which is both reflected in its products and lived out by the company's staff every day. The principles of responsible travel are made transparent and form an integral part of the tour operator's corporate philosophy. The jury considered that the company's comprehensive activities in all areas of sustainable business set an example to the travel industry.
The tour operator (www.intrepidtravel.com) has set itself the goal to strengthen the local economy in the host countries and contribute to an environmentally sustainable, economically profitable, and ethically and socially just tourism. This is done, among others, by using local transport, integrating local service providers and hiring local guides. Values like equality and human rights also play a major role for the company. Intrepid Travel not only offers environmentally and socially responsible travel, but also operates its own business in a sustainable manner. For instance, CO2 emissions in trips but also of all offices and stores are reduced to a minimum. The remaining emissions are offset, and the compensation for CO2 emissions is included in the price of the trip. Moreover, the company consumes less paper, reduces waste and uses in its offices only fair trade and eco-friendly products, like recycled paper, fair trade coffee and milk. Once a year, staff members also get one day paid leave to do volunteer work. On their trips, the guests of Intrepid Travel not only visit the classic sights, but at the same time get an insight into the everyday life of the local population.
Andreas Müseler, Head of the DRV Committee Sustainability handed over the EcoTrophea sculpture to Barbara Glanz, General Manager Central Europe of Intrepid Travel, Holzkirchen, at the 63rd DRV Annual Convention in Salzburg on November 16, 2013. The leading industry association is awarding the international prize for environmental protection and social responsibility for the 27th time to an exemplary initiative in the global travel industry. This year, the six-member EcoTrophea jury received a total of 56 entries from companies and organizations from 29 countries.
The jury was made up of the following experts: Ms. Angela Bürvenich (Bayerisches Pilgerbüro), Ms. Stephanie Henicke (Lufthansa City Center), Peter Westenberger (Deutsche Bahn), Prof. Dr. Edgar Kreilkamp (Leuphana University Lüneburg), Mr. Walter Krombach (Willy Scharnow Foundation for Tourism) and Prof. Dr. Strasdas (Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development).