Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest certified B Corporation adventure travel company, announced a bold move in its hospitality strategy with the acquisition of two boutique hotel properties: Edge of the Bay in Tasmania, Australia, and a riad in the heart of Marrakech, Morocco. This expansion represents a key step in Intrepid’s plan to deepen its impact-led approach to tourism while reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, community-focused travel experiences.

The newly acquired Edge of the Bay resort, located near the picturesque town of Coles Bay and overlooking the iconic Wineglass Bay, is an exclusive 20-room escape set on 18 acres close to Freycinet National Park. With oceanview studios and secluded chalets, the property has long been cherished for its natural beauty and proximity to Tasmania’s wilderness. Intrepid plans an extensive refresh of the resort to bring it in line with its ‘impact-led ethos.’ This update will feature expanded nature-based activities and environmental education programs developed in collaboration with Greening Australia, a partner of the Intrepid Foundation and a national leader in ecological restoration.

Notably, Intrepid is engaging the Palawa people, the indigenous community of Tasmania, to ensure a culturally sensitive and inclusive hospitality offering. The company will work with local representatives to conduct a formal cultural heritage assessment, creating pathways for indigenous advocacy and employment and ensuring that tourism initiatives respect traditional owners’ stories and land stewardship.

Over the past decade, Intrepid Travel has steadily transitioned from a pure tour operator to a vertically integrated travel business, a strategy that now includes direct management and ownership of accommodation. This new chapter began in earnest with the acquisition of Daintree Ecolodge in Queensland, Australia, in 2022. Since then, Intrepid has implemented solar power, advanced waste management, and eliminated single-use plastics at the property, earning high environmental certification and serving as a model for other hospitality ventures.

According to CEO James Thornton, acquiring and operating unique hotels allows Intrepid to deliver on its promise of responsible tourism. “Our approach to accommodation is underpinned by a commitment to preserving culture, fostering connection, supporting communities, and boosting travel’s economic contribution to the local community,” said Thornton. The company has committed to adding 20 boutique hotels across Asia, Africa, and the Americas by 2027, significantly increasing its capacity to support regenerative tourism practices globally.

This strategy also responds to rising demand for sustainable accommodations: According to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, over 70% of travelers now seek eco-friendly options for stays, and transparency surrounding community benefit and local partnerships is a key booking factor for many consumers post-pandemic.

The second acquisition—a traditional 17-room riad in Marrakech—cements Intrepid’s position in one of North Africa’s most popular tourism hotspots. The guesthouse, which opened in June 2025, is located minutes from the Medina, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in centuries-old culture, bustling souks, and iconic Moroccan hospitality.

Intrepid will assume full operation of the riad by July and has announced a partnership with The Amal Association, a pioneering local nonprofit that trains disadvantaged women in culinary arts and hospitality. Guests will enjoy immersive culinary experiences, with proceeds supporting women’s skills development and employment in the tourism sector. This aligns with broader efforts nationwide—Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism has prioritized community integration, with Marrakech alone seeing a 12% increase in international arrivals in 2024, underscoring the region’s appeal as a sustainable, experience-rich destination.

These acquisitions come at a time when the global hospitality sector is recalibrating around sustainability and responsible travel. The World Travel & Tourism Council projects that the sector will achieve pre-pandemic economic contribution levels in 2025, with sustainable hotels outpacing traditional sector growth. As a B Corp, Intrepid Travel is held to the highest standards of ethical behavior, employee care, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. The group is leveraging this momentum by targeting properties where it can implement green technologies (such as solar and rainwater harvesting), partner with local suppliers, and integrate environmental education for guests.

Travel industry analysts expect Intrepid’s property pipeline to serve as a benchmark for other tour operators and hotel brands. Meanwhile, Intrepid’s direct hotel operations, combined with its rapidly expanding adventure travel portfolio, are expected to create hundreds of jobs, channel more revenue into local economies, and set new industry standards for meaningful travel impact.

By acquiring and reimagining boutique accommodation in both established and emerging destinations, Intrepid Travel is charting a new path for ethical tourism. With Tasmania’s untouched landscapes and Morocco’s cultural vibrancy, guests can expect immersive, responsible, and culturally respectful experiences. As Intrepid pursues its 20-hotel goal by 2027, travelers, communities, and the planet are poised to share the benefits of this redefined model of hospitality.