Intrepid brings tourism’s climate agenda to COP31

Intrepid Travel shared that it is bringing tourism’s climate challenges to COP31 in Türkiye this month, alongside a five-day leadership trip exploring how businesses can turn climate commitments into practical action.

Susanne Etti, Intrepid’s general manager of climate, will attend the United Nations climate summit and join senior business leaders on a trip delivered in partnership with the UN Global Compact Network Australia (UNGCNA).

Running Nov. 5–9 in Antalya and Kaş, the trip will bring together executives, board directors and sustainability decision-makers for workshops and locally led, community-based experiences.

The program was curated by Evan Center, UNGCNA’s head of environment and climate change, with Etti participating as a special guest. 

It will examine how climate change affects communities and industries, as well as the regional and geopolitical context surrounding the summit.

COP31 takes place Nov. 9–20 in Antalya. Türkiye will host the conference, while Australia will serve as president of negotiations.

At the summit, Intrepid plans to engage businesses and industry partners on reducing supply-chain emissions and managing climate risks in destinations.

The company says larger tourism businesses have a role in helping the small businesses that underpin the visitor economy access the knowledge, tools and support needed to reduce emissions and strengthen resilience.

“Climate change is already reshaping destinations and disrupting travel, so we can’t afford to treat it as a future risk,” Etti said. “At COP31, I’m keen to see how we turn global commitments into practical action for businesses and the communities they rely on.”

“For travel, that means reducing emissions, preparing for climate risks and working alongside local communities to protect the places that make travel possible.”

Center said the program aims to connect business leaders with communities, experts and practitioners to help translate climate ambitions into measurable outcomes.

“As Australia prepares to lead the COP31 negotiations, this is a critical opportunity for business leaders to shape the transition to a more resilient, competitive and sustainable economy,” Center said.

Intrepid launched its renewed Climate Action Plan in 2025, focusing on reducing emissions across its operations and supply chain. 

The strategy includes an annual Climate Impact Fund to support decarbonization projects, alongside investment in lower-emissions transport and work with suppliers.

The leadership trip is part of UNGCNA’s broader COP31 business engagement program, which also includes a conference, executive roundtables, networking events and webinars.

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