Intrepid Travel appoints accommodation strategy lead
Intrepid Travel has announced the appointment of French hotel veteran Celine Hurelle to lead its expansion into the accommodation sector.
It is aimed at accelerating Intrepid’s expansion plans into new verticals, which includes accommodation.
Hurelle will report to CEO James Thornton and will work on Intrepid’s current accommodation initiatives.
She will also work closely with Intrepid’s executive leadership globally to identify new opportunities to acquire accommodation that supports the company’s responsible ethos.
Hurelle previously spent 24 years at global hotel giant Accor, working in various senior roles in Australia, France, Thailand and more.
She was most recently Global Head of Brand (VP) for Accor brand Sofitel, based in Paris.
Hurelle has strategy, brand and commercial leadership experience.
She will be based in Intrepid’s global headquarters in Melbourne.
Hurelle holds dual French-Australian citizenship.
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, and reopened in March.
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.
Hurelle said: “To join the company at this time is very exciting, and I look forward to drawing on my two decades of experience to drive expansion into community-led properties.”
Celine has commenced the role effective immediately.
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