Italy Sees a Ninety-Three Percent Booking Surge as Intrepid Travel Expands with New Rome Office, Aiming to Triple Passengers by 2030—Everything You Need to Know About Their New Itineraries

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In a bold move to tap into Italy’s flourishing tourism market, Intrepid Travel, the purpose-driven touring company, has opened its 32nd global office in Rome, with ambitions to grow its presence in the country. The company’s decision comes after a 93% surge in bookings between 2022 and 2025, underscoring a clear shift towards small-group, culturally immersive travel as more tourists seek alternatives to mass tourism. This new office will be key to helping Intrepid reach its target of tripling passenger numbers in Italy by 2030.

This strategic expansion marks an exciting phase for the Australian-founded company, which has identified Italy as a key growth market in its wider European strategy. With Italy becoming one of the company’s top European destinations, the opening of this Rome-based Destination Management Company (DMC) is set to propel the brand forward. Additionally, the move comes as Italian cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence face significant challenges from overtourism, forcing local authorities to introduce measures to protect cultural heritage sites. Intrepid’s local presence in Rome aims to divert travelers to less-visited locations, thus reducing congestion in popular tourist spots.

Key Drivers Behind the Surge in Italy Bookings

Italy’s rapid rise in popularity among Intrepid Travel’s clientele reflects a growing demand for sustainable tourism options. In recent years, travelers have become increasingly conscious of the environmental and cultural impact of mass tourism. Intrepid’s focus on immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences has resonated with those seeking authentic and responsible ways to explore Italy’s treasures.

As part of its 2030 strategy, Intrepid is committing to community-focused operations, building strong ties with local vendors, and investing in sustainable travel experiences that emphasize cultural sensitivity and environmental sustainability. The Rome office is expected to contribute not only to Italy’s economic growth but also to the company’s goal of delivering positive impacts to local communities.

Expanding Offerings and New Itinerary Launches

Building on the 92% growth in bookings, Intrepid has announced new Italian itineraries for 2026, which include the Premium Italy in Depth and Premium Walking and Hiking in the Italian Dolomites. These additions will cater to travelers looking for deeper connections with the country’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage. In addition, Intrepid has introduced a rail journey from Berlin to Venice, offering a unique way to explore Italy’s scenic beauty by train.

Not only does Intrepid plan to offer exclusive guided tours, but it is also taking a holistic approach to sustainable tourism by highlighting lesser-known towns, villages, and rural areas. By doing so, the company aims to help disperse travelers more evenly across the country, avoiding the overcrowding of Italy’s most popular destinations.

What This Expansion Means for Travelers

For travelers, this expansion means more diverse travel options and authentic experiences. Intrepid’s office in Rome is set to increase the number of small-group tours that explore the hidden gems of Italy—locations that are less frequented by mass tourism but rich in history and culture. Intrepid’s Rome team will also offer local guides with extensive knowledge of the country, providing travelers with an authentic Italian experience while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.

For those visiting Rome, Venice, Florence, and beyond, Intrepid’s tailored itineraries offer the chance to experience Italy in a more intimate and conscious way. These journeys will focus on local connections that travelers can’t experience on larger commercial tours.

A Look at Intrepid Travel’s European Growth

The Rome office marks just one of the many recent expansions in Europe for Intrepid Travel. In 2025, the company introduced 32 new trips across 15 European countries, including destinations like Serbia, Czech Republic, and Albania—some of the fastest-growing markets for alternative European destinations. The demand for travel beyond the traditional hotspots is evident, as more travelers seek out unique, local experiences rather than mainstream tourist attractions.

Intrepid’s focus on shoulder-season travel is also resonating with tourists, with an increasing number of visitors opting to visit Mediterranean destinations outside of the summer months. This shift is prompting Intrepid to add more departure dates throughout the year to meet the growing demand.

Local Collaboration to Combat Overtourism

The office in Rome is also part of Intrepid’s effort to help address overtourism, which has been plaguing many of Italy’s most iconic cities. While cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice remain essential to Italy’s tourism sector, Intrepid Travel is committed to making sure that its travelers support local communities and culture by visiting more diverse, off-the-beaten-path locations.

By working closely with the Italian National Tourism Board (ENIT), the company is able to align its operations with Italy’s broader tourism strategy, which focuses on reducing the environmental impact and redistributing tourism throughout the country. The opening of the Rome office represents a significant commitment to Intrepid’s mission of becoming a leader in sustainable tourism, offering travelers a chance to see Italy in a more responsible, less crowded way.

A Booming Future for Intrepid Travel in Italy

The opening of Intrepid’s new office in Rome is not just a business expansion; it represents a significant move toward reshaping the way people experience Italy. With plans to triple its Italian passenger numbers by 2030, the company is poised to drive significant growth in Italy’s tourism sector while promoting cultural preservation and local sustainability.

With 93% growth in bookings already under its belt, Italy is primed to become a cornerstone of Intrepid Travel’s success in Europe. As key Italian cities face increasing challenges due to overtourism, Intrepid’s focus on small-group, purpose-driven travel is helping to ease the pressure on the country’s most popular destinations.