Intrepid Travel was one of the three travel companies to make Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential Companies list, and was placed in the Leaders category for encouraging ‘Responsible globetrotting’.
Intrepid Travel CEO, James Thorton, told TTG: "This proves that our style of locally led, small-group adventures is no longer a ‘niche’. Our way of travelling is actually helping to shape the future of travel. As an industry, we can support more responsible travel habits and make a substantial difference by using our collective power, influence and voice to help make the world a better place."
The travel operator was awarded for facilitating environmentally and socially responsible small-group travel since its founding in 1989.
Furthermore, the company saw record-breaking travel bookings last year, after launching a flight-free programme and tours led by more than 100 indigenous guides and operators.
Intrepid, a global tour operator, became the first of its kind to become carbon-neutral after establishing verified, scientifically supported carbon reduction targets.
Eviation Aircraft was placed in the Pioneers category for successfully testing the first all-electric passenger flight, Alice, which took off from central Washington State last September. Although the flight was only eight minutes long, it was a monumental step in aviation that took seven years of engineering and development to accomplish.
Although Alice’s range is just under 500km it attracted the attention of commuter carriers interested in zero-emission and saving money on fuel. Eviation has orders of over US$4 billion (R74 billion) for 400 aircraft with major carriers including Air New Zealand and DHL.
ZeroAvia was placed in the Pioneers category for successfully testing the first long-haul, carbon-neutral passenger aircraft in January. The first hydrogen-electric engine aircraft had 19 seats, and primarily drew power from fuel cells with a lithium battery assisting.
By 2027, it aims to have developed an 80-seat aircraft that will be able to travel 1 127km.
ZeroAvia has already received over 1 500 provisional orders from International Airline Groups including United Airlines and American Airlines.
