Intrepid Travel is accelerating its strategic expansion plans into new verticals, which includes accommodation, with the announced the appointment of French hotel veteran Celine Hurelle to lead its expansion into the sector.

Hurelle will report to CEO James Thornton and will work on Intrepid’s current accommodation initiatives and will also work closely with Intrepid’s executive leadership across the world to identify new opportunities to acquire accommodation that supports the company’s responsible and local travel ethos.

Intrepid has expanded into hotels over the past three years and currently operates two hotels – one in Australia and one in Vietnam. It also has a 50% joint venture with South Australian based off-grid accommodation company, CABN.

In Australia, the company owns and operates the four-star, 15-room Daintree Ecolodge in Tropical North Queensland, which it acquired in late 2023. The property has since undergone an extensive renovation and refurbishment following Cyclone Jasper in December, reopening in March.

Beyond Australia, Intrepid has entered into a three-year lease agreement with the 19-room Hoi An Field Boutique Hotel in Hoi An, Vietnam. This property’s capacity services approximately 85-90% Intrepid groups, with the additional 10% booked via direct travellers. Vietnam was the company’s most popular destination in 2023.

“Our vision is to grow with responsibly operated, locally based accommodation that not only reflect the destination and community, but that give back as well. We also want to ensure that our customers have a true Intrepid experience in all of our properties, and I look forward to seeing what we achieve next,” says Intrepid CEO, James Thornton.

Hurelle previously spent 24 years at global hotel giant Accor, working in various senior roles in several countries, including Australia, France, Thailand and more. She was most recently Global Head of Brand (VP) for Accor brand Sofitel, based in Paris. Hurelle has deep experience in strategy, brand and commercial leadership and will be based in Intrepid’s global headquarters in Melbourne, Australia.