Intrepid Travel has expanded its destination management network with the opening of a new country office in Rome.
The office will enhance Intrepid’s operations across Italy, responding to continued growth in demand for culturally immersive, responsible travel in the region.
Italy is consistently one of the travel company’s top‑performing destinations in Europe. Bookings grew 93% from 2022 to 2025, driven by traveller appetite for authentic local experiences, active trips and alternatives to traditional tourism hotspots.
The opening was marked with an event in Rome last week attended by Intrepid CEO, James Thornton, Intrepid’s EMEA Managing Director, Zina Bencheikh, along with industry leaders and tourism partners.
These included Australian Ambassador to Italy, Julianne Cowley, ENIT President, Alessandra Priante, and Rome Tourism Commissioner, Mariano Angelucci.
“This expansion is a natural next step in our strategy to build strong operational hubs where traveller demand continues to grow,” said Ms Bencheikh.
“At the same time, key cities in Italy are grappling with the challenges of overtourism. Having our own DMC in Rome, with our local team, will help us diversify our product, strengthen our ties to local communities and deliver exceptional on-the-ground experiences.”
The opening signals significant growth in Italy, with a goal to triple passenger numbers by 2030.
It marks Intrepid’s second office in Western Europe and 32nd globally, supporting the company’s 2030 strategy to expand its network of locally managed DMCs and strengthen community connections.
“Italy has always held a special place in the hearts of our travellers,” said Florencia Allo Moreno, Regional General Manager for Western Europe.
“From its deep cultural heritage to its vibrant food traditions and diverse landscapes, it’s a destination that aligns perfectly with Intrepid’s purpose and style of travel.
“Establishing a Rome-based DMC allows us to strengthen local relationships, invest more directly in communities and ensure that our trips continue to have a positive impact. We’re excited to see this next chapter come to life.”
Intrepid recently expanded its European portfolio with several new trips for 2026, such as ‘Premium Italy in Depth’, ‘Premium Walking & Hiking in the Italian Dolomites’, a rail journey from Berlin to Venice as well as a short break to Venice and Treviso.
All images courtesy Intrepid Travel
