Intrepid Travel has launched its Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking the next phase in the company’s reconciliation journey.
The plan also helps deepen Intrepid’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Stretch RAP will guide Intrepid through to 2027 and was launched to its team at an internal event during National Reconciliation Week at its Melbourne headquarters.
The RAP emphasises First Nations employment, procurement and truth-telling – building on the foundations of Intrepid’s previous Reflect (2019) and Innovate (2021) RAPs.
This next phase represents a shift from awareness-raising to long-term, systemic action.
James Thornton, Intrepid Travel CEO, said the Stretch RAP reflects both the company’s ambition and responsibility.
“As an Australian founded and headquartered business, we recognise that reconciliation is vital to building a stronger and more equitable country,” he said.
“Our Stretch RAP will challenge us to go further – particularly when it comes to employment and economic empowerment. These are the most impactful ways we can help close the gap and we’re committed to embedding this work across our business.”
Key commitments under the Stretch RAP include:
# Creating meaningful career pathways by improving how the company recruits, retains, and supports the professional development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and tour leaders.
# Working with more First Nations-owned businesses to strengthen procurement practices and ensure impact extends across communities.
# Deepening cultural understanding by embedding a truth-telling framework that supports staff, tour leaders and travellers to learn, listen, and reflect on the true history of this country.
# Rolling out new tools for engagement, including on-Country learning experiences, refreshed Acknowledgement of Country guidelines, and celebrating reconciliation champions across the business.
“Since we began this journey in 2019, we’ve made meaningful progress in how we work with First Nations operators and share their stories with travellers,” said Sara King, Intrepid’s General Manager Purpose.
“Now it’s time to go deeper within our own business. This RAP is a commitment to growth, partnership and truth and we’re proud to be taking this next step together.”
Reconciliation Australia’s RAP framework provides organisations with a structured approach to advance reconciliation. A Stretch RAP is the third stage of four, focused on embedding reconciliation through long-term strategies and measurable impact.
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au
