Industry Leaders to Know: Yvette Thompson

Warm, insightful, and purpose-driven, Yvette Thompson has been a trusted voice in the travel industry for nearly two decades. Now leading Sales & Marketing across Australia and New Zealand for Intrepid Travel, Yvette brings a rare blend of strategic thinking, creative energy, and a deep passion for people.

Her path into travel began unexpectedly, with a winning story in a travel writing competition and evolved into a career built around connection, storytelling, and meaningful experiences. From her early days in GDS to her current role championing sustainable tourism and partnerships across ANZ, Yvette’s story is one of growth, purpose, and heart.

We asked her a few questions to get to know the person behind the role.

Can you start by introducing yourself? Tell us a bit about your background and your role in the travel industry.

I’ve been in the travel industry for 18 years now, across two very different worlds—GDS and adventure travel. I started at Intrepid as a BDM and have worked my way through sales, marketing, partnerships and contracting roles. It’s been quite the ride!

I’m originally from Sydney but made the move to Melbourne in 2017 and never looked back. I love the energy here—great events, gorgeous wineries, stunning hikes, and character-filled small towns just a short drive away. It also helps that most of my family eventually followed me down!

Yvette Thompson leading Sales & Marketing across Australia and New Zealand for Intrepid Travel

What inspired you to pursue a career in the travel industry, and what’s kept you passionate about it over the years?

I was working in a big corporate company that I enjoyed, but I was hungry for something more aligned with my passions. Then fate stepped in—I entered a travel writing competition on a whim and ended up winning. The prize was $10,000 worth of travel!

That prize sent me through Vietnam, Thailand, Dubai, France and Africa. It was that small group trip through Africa that really changed everything for me. A few months later, I found myself working at Intrepid Travel. Coincidentally, the person who hired me was also the person who had selected my story.

What’s kept me in the industry all these years is the people—both the ones we work with and the ones we meet on the road. Travel is all about connection and seeing the world through different perspectives. And that’s exactly what Intrepid’s all about too. Purpose-led travel that has a positive impact.

What’s the most memorable trip you’ve worked on, and what made it so special?

Oh gosh, where to start? I think it would have to be my month in India with Intrepid in 2017. It was just incredible. The kaleidoscope of colours in the women’s saris, the aromas of street food and incense, the big smiles and warm hospitality—it all hits you at once.

The streets come alive as the sun goes down, the architecture is incredible, and the wildlife parks allow you to escape the hustle and come close to tigers, elephants and other wild animals. I’ll never forget the cows calmly stopping traffic, the peacocks wandering old fortresses, the sunsets over the Ganges, the camel rides through the desert, the spicy curries, and the warm chais and chilled lassis.

It’s a place full of contrasts and celebrations, where religion, culture and community blend in beautiful ways. India has a way of getting under your skin and into your heart.

What’s one trend or innovation in the travel industry that you think travel agents should focus on in 2025?

I talk about this a lot, but I really believe we all need to focus on the rise of sustainable and eco-friendly travel. Travellers are more conscious than ever about the environmental impact of their holidays, and they’re actively looking for more responsible ways to explore the world.

New regulations are also coming in, so being across the laws and offering sustainable options isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s going to be essential for all of us.

What’s a fun or surprising fact about you that not many people know?

One of my favourite places in the world is France. In my early 20s, I lived there, splitting my time between ski seasons in the Alps and working on private yachts on the Mediterranean.

Both were completely different experiences, but equally beautiful, impactful and unforgettable.

Yvette’s career reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful paths aren’t planned—they’re discovered. From a love of storytelling to a passion for sustainable travel, her journey reflects a deep belief in the power of purpose and people.

We can’t wait to welcome Yvette to TADA 25 this October in Sydney. Be sure to connect, her story might just inspire the next chapter of yours.