INTREPID CONTINUES TO LEAD THE WAY IN INNOVATIVE TRAVEL WITH THE LAUNCH OF 'THE TRAVEL LAB'

    /24-7PressRelease/ - June 05, 2008 - Leading adventure tour operator, Intrepid Travel, has launched an exciting new research and development division, The Travel Lab, consolidating its innovative thinking via a dedicated team of travel experts to offer consumers mind-blowingly unusual travel experiences.

Intrepid has always been one to push the boundaries and this latest foray into research and development is no different. From idea generation through to product design and launch, The Travel Lab's core mandate is to create experiences that are unique, truly innovative and not currently available to consumers.

The Travel Lab concept was born out of a number of motivations. In 2007, Intrepid conducted an online poll with resulting data confirming that the top two answers to the question, 'What does value mean to you when making travel decisions?' were 'unforgettable experiences' and 'visiting places you can't get to on your own'.

This feedback, along with a desire to set itself, helped drive the decision to formally invest in research and development to ensure Intrepid continues to produce exceptional product that guarantees its travellers unforgettable and far-ranging experiences.

Based at Intrepid's head office in Melbourne, The Travel Lab leverages the knowledge and input from the global Intrepid team and its strong base of operator businesses, and currently comprises three full time staff members who have extensive product and marketing experience in the adventure travel industry.

"Formalizing Intrepid's R&D function to create The Travel Lab seemed a natural progression but the concept took time to refine, so we are delighted to now be launching to the Australian market. The Travel Lab sees Intrepid embarking upon a new and exciting chapter in the company's evolution and the team looks forward to delivering travellers an array of unique and inventive experiences," says Damian Perry, General Manager Emerging Business.

After conducting online surveys, traveler polls, workshops with industry leaders and analysing trend reports, The Travel Lab has released its first product range - an incredible selection of life-changing Polar adventures.

The Travel Lab will continue to release exciting new products on an ongoing basis over the coming months - promising to have keen travelers digging out passports and planning their next big adventures!

For more information please visit The Travel Lab at: http://www.thetravellab.com

With over 19 years of experience, Intrepid Travel is one of the world's leading small group adventure tour operators. Intrepid offers over 400 adventure itineraries in more than 90 destinations worldwide. Intrepid trips are designed to go off the beaten track, meet the locals and travel in an unconventional way, joining locals on their transport, in their markets and even in their homes. www.intrepidtravel.com

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