A niche way to travel is becoming mainstream.
Air Canada Vacations and Intrepid Travel have announced that Intrepid's small-group adventure trips will be available as of this week through Air Canada Vacations.
The popularity of these kinds of locally-led, small-group experiences is on the rise, said Air Canada Vacations' vice-president, Nino Montagnese.
"This relationship is happening at the right time and place. Experience-rich travel is becoming increasingly important to Canadians," Montagnese said.
"Intrepid has built its reputation on creating meaningful, locally led experiences that go beyond the traditional tourist itinerary, and that's exactly the kind of travel we want to bring to more Canadians."
Intrepid says bookings are up 26% year-over-year.
The trend is in line with the results of recent surveys of Canadian travellers' priorities, including Intrepid's own Meaningful Travel Index, a national poll that indicates 84% of Canadians say it's important that their trips positively impact local people and places. An additional 81% say they prefer a guided, locally-led tour to exploring on their own.
Canadians are also increasingly interested in vacationing at home, with Statistics Canada research showing continuing increases in domestic travel.
"Canada is becoming a bigger destination for Canadians," said Intrepid Travel president (Canada) Christian Wolters.
"Air Canada Vacations is one of Canada's most trusted travel brands, with an incredible reach across the country, and together we have an opportunity to introduce more Canadians to the depth and diversity of their own backyard."
With the launch of the new partnership, Air Canada Vacations is offering eight Intrepid itineraries: Classic Canadian Rockies, Grand Canadian Rockies, Eastern Canada by Rail, Newfoundland Adventure East, The Maritimes: Nova Scotia, Newfoundland West, Best of Canadian Maritimes, and The Maritimes: Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick.
Advisors can book the flight and Intrepid experience packaged together through Air Canada Vacations, so they don't have to worry about the logistics.
Aeroplan members will also earn points on the flight, and can redeem points toward future Intrepid trips through Air Canada Vacations.
