Explore appoints former Intrepid chief Michael Edwards as managing director

Explore appoints former Intrepid chief Michael Edwards as managing director

United Kingdom-based tour operator Explore has recruited the Intrepid Group’s former chief growth officer, Michael Edwards, as the company’s new managing director.

Beginning at Explore on 5 April 2021, Edwards joins the company from a long-established career in the adventure travel industry, including six years in senior leadership roles with the Intrepid group and, most recently, consultancy roles at Nomadic Tribe and The Travel Collective.

Joe Ponte, Hotelplan UK CEO, said he was delighted to welcome Edwards to the team.

“Michael’s experience in the small group adventure travel category is unparalleled and makes him the perfect recruit to continue Explore’s strategic ambitions to become a global business.

“I look forward to working with Michael and the team at Explore to come back stronger after the Covid-19 pandemic, building on the solid foundations already in place, and the company’s reputation for doing the right thing.”

Edwards began his career in digital marketing, developing the online strategy for well-known consumer travel brands, maximising SEO and driving online sales.

Moving into a GM role, he spearheaded product, marketing and sales for all seven Tourism & Leisure Holdings brands, and then established EMEA as the leading sales region for G Adventures as managing director EMEA.

As managing director for EMEA and then chief growth officer at the Intrepid Group, Edwards oversaw the development of several new source markets, leading global partnerships and increasing revenue and profitability across all brands and regions.

Edwards said he was excited to join Explore at what is “a pivotal time for the business, as we start to emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic”.

“I have long admired the company’s approach to sustainable, experiential travel, and its stellar reputation among its customers,” he said.

“There is great potential for further growth through travel agents, and I am looking forward to working with the team and our trade partners to build back even stronger, both in the UK and globally.”

John Telfer will continue at Explore as deputy managing director after Edwards joins the business to support his integration. Telfer will then support the Hotelplan board on a part time basis.

Latest News

  • Conferences
  • Travel Agents

Travellers Choice award winners 2024 announced

This year’s Travellers Choice award winners were announced at the gala dinner at Sydney Town Hall last night. The winners are: 2024 Leading Agency Award winner: Travel and Cruise Professionals (South Australia) The Travellers Choice Leading Agency Award distinguishes a member who has enjoyed outstanding success in their individual agency business, has contributed significantly to […]

  • Conferences
  • Travel Agents

Emotional Travellers Choice Conference that wasn’t hard to bear

If Day 1 of the 2024 Travellers Choice Conference in Sydney, the first in the Harbour City for 25 years, was filled with laughter and cocktails then Day 2 of “Travelution” was an emotional roller coaster. Travellers Choice MD and new ATIA chair Christian Hunter opened the three-day conference by announcing two new initiatives. In […]

  • Tourism

ATEC celebrates industry excellence with annual awards 

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has announced the winners of its prestigious annual awards, recognising exceptional contributions from across our tourism export industry. These awards, announced during ATEC’s annual Meeting Place event last Wednesday, highlight individuals, businesses, and partnerships which have shown outstanding leadership, dedication, and innovation in promoting Australian tourism. Captain Trevor Haworth […]

  • Hotels
  • Luxury

Accor announces the signing of Sofitel Sapa Hotel and residences

Accor has announced the signing of Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Residences, a landmark luxury development set to bring Sofitel’s French elegance to the highlands of Northern Vietnam. The project is a combination of 176 rooms and 436 branded residences. It is expected to open its doors in 2030, making another milestone in the expansion of […]

  • Events

ICC Sydney celebrates 100 events in record-breaking year

International Convention Centre Sydney, managed by ASM Global, is set to break the record for number of live events in a single year with 100 shows. The James Blunt concert taking place on 23 November marks the venue’s 100th live entertainment event in a single year. To celebrate this historic achievement, ICC Sydney is giving […]

  • Travel Agents

Last chance to win Globus family of brands’ $1K a Day Giveaway

Agents are reminded they can still enter an unmissable giveaway by making a deposited booking with Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways for departures in 2025. The trade incentive will remain open to agents until 30 November. To take advantage of the offer, agents simply need to make a deposited booking with either Avalon Waterways, Globus […]

  • Events

Intrepid Travel champions responsible business at UN Global Compact Sustainability Event

Intrepid Travel championed the agenda for responsible business at the United Nations Global Compact’s UNiting Business Live Australia conference this week. During her visit to Australia, UN Global Compact assistant secretary-general, Sanda Ojiambo, met with Intrepid CEO James Thornton, where they discussed the future of sustainable practices in the travel industry. Thornton and Ojiambo discussed […]

  • Hotels

Fusion launches GLOW Bangkok Riverside

Fusion Hotel Group has opened GLOW Bangkok Riverside, a new hotel overlooking the Thai capital’s Chaophraya River from the city’s Dusit district. The modern 5-storey property features 126 rooms and suites, ranging from the Superior Room at 19-22sqm to the 40sqm River Suite. All rooms have either king-sized or twin beds, and are tastefully decorated […]

  • Hotels

Nesuto Apartment Hotels launches summer secret offers

Nesuto Hotels and Apartments has launched its summer campaign with a 25 per cent off discount across its 13 neighbourhood properties across Australia and New Zealand. Nesuto’s “unveil summer’s best kept secrets” campaign offer is valid for bookings made from 1 November 2024 until 30 March 2025, for stays until 30 June 2025. In addition […]

  • Aviation
  • Travel Agents

ATAC’s signs exclusive deal with Helloworld’s Air Tickets for enhanced air consolidation services 

Australian Travel Agents Co-operative (ATAC) has appointed Helloworld Travel’s Air Tickets as its sole and exclusive air consolidator following comprehensive market assessment on best value for its members. ATAC chairman Jack Taylor said that the appointment, effective 1 January 2025, reflects the co-operative’s commitment to securing the best value for all members. “ATAC has ambitious […]