Intrepid expands local operations as demand for Italy, Mexico surges

With demand for travel to Italy and Mexico surging, Intrepid Travel has expanded its local operations in two of North Americans’ favorite destinations.

The adventure travel company has appointed its first-ever General Manager in Mexico and opened a new destination management company (DMC) office in Rome, as bookings to Italy climbed 93% between 2022 and 2025 and travel to Mexico grew 22% last year alone.

The moves reflect the company’s strategy to expand locally managed operations in destinations where traveler demand continues to grow, while ensuring trips operate with the highest quality, safety, and responsible tourism standards.

Intrepid Travel appointed Leticia Franco as its first General Manager for Mexico, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued expansion across the Latin American market.

A Cancún native with more than 25 years of destination management experience, Franco co-founded Olympus Tours, which was later acquired by Flight Centre Travel Group and integrated into Discova.

In her new role, Franco will oversee Intrepid’s growth strategy in Mexico and lead the establishment of the company’s first DMC in the country later this year.

The move lays the foundation for a major expansion in 2026, including plans to double the local team and increase itineraries by 36%, while strengthening partnerships with local suppliers and communities.

Franco said that: “I firmly believe that exceptional travel experiences are built by empowered teams, trusted commercial partners and responsible engagement with local communities.”

Leigh Barnes, President of the Americas at Intrepid Travel, said that: “Mexico plays a pivotal role for the company’s U.S. and Canadian travellers. Leticia brings deep regional expertise and a strong connection to the communities we work with. Her local insight will help ensure our growth in Mexico strengthens regional partnerships and delivers meaningful impact.”

Intrepid Travel also expanded its European DMC with the opening of a new country office in Rome, supporting growing demand for Italy and the company’s commitment to responsible travel in the region.

Bookings to Italy grew 93% between 2022 and 2025, and the company aims to triple global passenger numbers to Italy by 2030. Italy was also Intrepid’s top-selling destination for North American travellers during its January sale, highlighting continued demand for culturally rich, immersive, travel experiences in the region.

The new office will help Intrepid Travel diversify itineraries beyond traditional tourism hotspots at a time when destinations like Rome are increasingly managing the pressures of overtourism.

“This expansion is a natural next step in our strategy to build strong operational hubs where traveller demand continues to grow,” said Zina Bencheikh, Managing Director for EMEA at Intrepid Travel. “Having our own team in Rome allows us to strengthen community partnerships and deliver exceptional experiences on the ground.”

Through the Intrepid Foundation, the company has supported Cooperativa Coraggio since 2023, a social enterprise outside Rome that has transformed unused public land into an organic farm that creates local jobs and supplies produce to restaurants visited on some Intrepid trips.

Barnes added that investments in local teams are central to how Intrepid Travel grows responsibly.

He observed: “Building strong local operations in destinations like Mexico and Italy allows us to deepen relationships with communities, support local businesses and ensure our travelers experience these places in a more meaningful way.”