In the realm of luxury travel, Intriq Journey, led by CEO Jess Yap, has ventured beyond Earth's boundaries. A group of adventurous Singaporeans have booked with Intriq Journey to blast off into space aboard the Virgin Galactic spacecraft.

The journey to outer space

While the launch is in about three years, anticipation is high. In the lead up to the space journey, Intriq Journey is actively preparing its guests for this cosmic adventure through private events with NASA and specialised space training programmes, ensuring they gain valuable insights into space.

Jess Yap, CEO of Intriq Journey, brings over two decades of experience in the travel industry, dedicated to crafting distinctive and boundary-pushing experiences.

When asked about the strategic approach employed to secure the exclusive rights for offering Virgin Galactic's pioneering space travel experiences, Yap elaborated, "Although Intriq Journey does not hold exclusive rights to offer Virgin Galactic space travel experiences, we were among the first travel agencies in Singapore to successfully market and book seats after Virgin Galactic allowed agents to make bookings."

Elaborating on the innovative strategies that Intriq Journey employed to introduce and promote space travel as a tantalising option to its discerning clientele, Yap noted, "Upon knowing that the first ship was set to launch, we took the opportunity to promote space tourism as an innovative way to see the world – another perspective. For interested guests, we arrange for them to connect directly with Virgin Galactic so that both parties can assess fit and suitability to take on such an out-of-this-world journey."

The future of extreme tourism

In the wake of recent events, such as the OceanGate expedition, questions loom about the trajectory of extreme tourism among the elite. Yap addressed this concern, stating, "The level of interest that the elite show in remarkable undertakings such as submarine tours and space travel can be shaped by several elements, encompassing worries about safety, advancements in technology, economic situations, and how the public perceives these ventures."

Yet, she remains optimistic, highlighting that the allure of these endeavours usually arises from a blend of curiosity, a quest for adventure, and a longing to encounter something truly exceptional.

Jess Yap envisions a future where space tourism’s products will continue to grow, offering options like extended stays, space packages and terrestrial travel. Photo Credit: Virgin Galactic

"Space tourism has the potential to expand its range of options, tailoring experiences to accommodate various preferences and levels of comfort," Yap mused. She envisions a future that includes suborbital flights, extended stays in orbit, and even seamless integration of terrestrial luxury travel with space tourism packages.

Beyond the stars

While space travel represents the pinnacle of exclusivity, Intriq Journey extends its commitment to uncovering hidden gems in unique destinations.

"We have an upcoming trip to Iran under Intriq Finesse, exploring the classic Iran with the option of extending to routes less trodden,” Yap explained. “We have sent guests to the South Pole, where they stand at the southernmost hemisphere on Earth and visited the Emperor Penguins – the biggest penguins known to men."

Delving into the motivations behind extreme tourism, Yap illuminated the driving factors that lead individuals to embrace risks and invest in extraordinary experiences. She identified the quest for unique experiences, the desire for a deeper connection with nature, and the allure of social recognition as potent forces propelling the affluent to embark on these ventures.

In an increasingly competitive luxury travel landscape, setting oneself apart is crucial. Jess Yap emphasised Intriq Journey's distinguishing factors: "Our curated journeys matched with our in-depth knowledge and experiences of destinations set us apart from other players in the market." She stressed that delivering excellent customer service before, during, and after the trip, combined with personalised attention, remains the cornerstone of their approach.