Intrepid to launch two new women-only tours in the Middle East

Intrepid Travel has launched new women’s only expeditions to Pakistan and Israel and The Palestinian Territories in the company’s third release of destinations to coincide with International Women’s Day.

READ MORE: Intrepid adds 17-day Pakistan tour to 2020 portfolio

The two new destinations add to the existing portfolio of Women’s Expeditions, which includes Iran, Jordan, Nepal, Kenya, Morocco, Turkey and India, with customer numbers on the women’s only expedition range growing 116 per cent in 2019.

“This is Intrepid’s fastest growing range to date, and we have seen female travellers connect with other women in powerful and moving ways,” said Jenny Gray, senior product manager, Intrepid Travel.

“Now in its third year, local female leaders offer insight and a unique understanding of women in these regions with respect to their cultural and religious values. We have found experiences that share stories of female empowerment, and directly benefit local women by seeking out female owned accommodation, restaurants, suppliers, and businesses in Pakistan and Israel and The Palestinian territories,” Gray added.

Bridging the gender gap

This emphasis is in line with Intrepid Travel’s new gender equality goals. Last year the travel company met its target of doubling female tour leaders, to increase opportunities for women in tourism where they were previously limited. There were 154 female leaders in 2017, in January 2020 that number was 342.

In 2020, Intrepid will enhance those goals with new commitments to increase employment opportunities for women in the travel industry. This includes doubling the number of female porters globally who assist travelers on mountain hikes in Tanzania, Peru and Nepal, to name a few.

“It’s crucial for us to enable women in all levels of the business – from our leaders on the ground all the way to gender parity on our board,” Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton said.

Supply chain is an ongoing focus for Intrepid, in line with its B Corp certification. The travel company will perform a rigorous audit to assess how many suppliers are women owned or women led in 2020. 

In 2021, Intrepid will work with its biggest suppliers to maximize opportunities for women and reduce gender inequality.

Intrepid Travel’s new women’s only expeditions are:

• Pakistan: Women’s Expedition – from CAD $4,095
• Israel and The Palestinian Territories: Women's Expedition – from CAD $3,065

For more information about Intrepid Travel’s Women’s Expeditions, visit: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/womens-expeditions.

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