Intrepid Travel Invests in Mexico & Rome DMCs

Intrepid Travel announced today the expansion of its local operations in two popular destinations in response to North American traveler demand: Mexico and Rome.

According to Intrepid, travel to Mexico grew 22% in 2025, and bookings to Italy climbed 93% between 2022 and 2025.

The small group adventure tour operator has appointed Leticia Franco as its first-ever general manager in Mexico, marking a significant milestone in Intrepid’s expansion in the Latin American market. Franco, a native of Cancun, will oversee the company’s growth strategy in Mexico and will help lead the establishment of Intrepid’s first destination management company (DMC) in the country later this year.

“I firmly believe that exceptional travel experiences are built by empowered teams, trusted commercial partners and responsible engagement with local communities,” said Franco.

The expansion includes plans to double the size of the local team and increase the number of itineraries by 36% in 2026, while strengthening partnerships with local suppliers and communities.

“Mexico plays a pivotal role for the company’s U.S. and Canadian travelers,” said Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas at Intrepid Travel. “Leticia brings deep regional expertise and a strong connection to the communities we work with.”

The tour operator has also opened a new office in Rome, expanding its European DMC to support growth in Italy and help Intrepid diversify its itineraries beyond the typical tourist attractions.

Italy is a consistently popular country for North American travelers and was the top-selling destination during the tour operator’s recent January sale. Intrepid plans to triple global passenger numbers to Italy by 2030.

“This expansion is a natural next step in our strategy to build strong operational hubs where traveller demand continues to grow,” said Zina Bencheikh, managing director for EMEA at Intrepid Travel. “Having our own team in Rome allows us to strengthen community partnerships and deliver exceptional experiences on the ground.”