Q: What are you most proud of from your first year in business?
A: More than anything, we’re proud of the relationships we’ve built.
When we opened, we never wanted to be the business that made the biggest noise so we didn’t launch with a huge celebration. We wanted our service, experience and genuine care for our clients to speak for themselves.
From day one we invested in our community by supporting local businesses, sporting clubs and community groups because we believed that trust is earned.
By giving back and becoming part of the community, people would come to know us, trust us and support us in return.
Q: What has been the standout from your first 12 months?
A: The highlight of our first year was celebrating our anniversary with the very people who made it possible – our clients.
We hosted an evening attended by more than 130 guests, with entertainment from one of our own clients and support from our valued partner, TTC. It wasn’t a sales event – it was simply a chance to say thank you.
Looking around the room that night, seeing our clients laughing, connecting and enjoying themselves, it felt like we were on holiday together.
It reinforced that what we’ve built goes far beyond booking travel. It’s about creating genuine relationships and becoming part of people’s lives.
That evening reminded us why we started this journey. It gave us confidence that we’re building something special and it motivates us to stay humble, remain customer-focused and continue earning the trust of our community every single day.
Karina and Paul celebrate their first year in business
Q: How has your business evolved over the past 12 months?
A: The past 12 months have exceeded everything we imagined.
When we first opened, it was just Paul looking after every client and every booking.
Today, we’ve grown into a team of four and we’re continuing to build a business that is sustainable, community-focused and driven by exceptional service.
From the very beginning, our vision was to become the trusted travel resource for the Gisborne community. That meant thinking beyond simply selling holidays.
We’ve hosted morning teas, afternoon teas, film nights, supplier showcases and travel presentations, connecting travellers with experts and creating experiences that inspire people to explore the world.
Later this year we’ll take that a step further by hosting the region’s largest travel expo, bringing together around 20 leading travel brands – something that’s never been done in our area before.
Perhaps what we’re most proud of is becoming part of the community. People regularly drop in just to say hello, referrals continue to grow and we’ve built genuine relationships with our clients.
We’ve also made it a priority to be accessible, whether that’s opening on weekends, meeting clients online or being available when they need us.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue growing, creating unique travel experiences, giving back to our community and helping even more people discover the joy of travel.
The future is incredibly bright and we’re excited for what’s to come.
Q: What trends are you seeing in travel right now?
A: The biggest trend we’re seeing is that people are placing a much higher value on expert advice, personalised service and trusted relationships.
There is so much information available online that many travellers feel overwhelmed by choice. They want clarity, honest guidance and confidence that they’re making the right decisions for their holiday.
While AI and online planning tools certainly have their place, they can’t replace genuine human relationships or the value of speaking to someone who has real-world experience.
Travel is often one of the biggest investments people make each year and they want the reassurance that someone is there to guide them before, during and after their journey.
We’re also seeing a shift towards more personalised and experiential travel. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all itinerary, travellers want holidays that reflect their own interests, pace and style of travel.
Many are choosing independent itineraries, but with the support and expertise of a travel advisor to ensure everything fits together seamlessly. Where appropriate, they’re also blending these with guided touring to gain deeper local experiences.
Another important trend is the expectation of ongoing support. Travellers value knowing they can contact us from anywhere in the world if something unexpected happens. That peace of mind is invaluable.
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own travel business?
A: If you’re passionate about travel and genuinely enjoy helping people, then absolutely go for it.
But before you do, make sure you have a clear plan, strong financial foundations and a realistic understanding of the challenges that come with running a business.
Success doesn’t happen overnight – it takes commitment, resilience and a willingness to adapt.
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right business partner or network. It’s not about choosing the biggest; it’s about choosing the one that will genuinely support you, share your values and be there to help you grow.
Be clear about your vision from day one. When we opened we wanted to become the trusted travel resource for our community. That vision has guided every decision we’ve made, from the way we serve our clients to how we support local organisations and our team.
I also believe there will always be a place for a physical travel agency.
Having a welcoming storefront where people can walk in, ask questions and receive expert advice builds trust in a way that online businesses simply can’t replicate.
Paul and Karina were just awarded ‘Best New Agency’ at the Helloworld OMC Awards. Here they receive their award from Andrew Burnes (left) and Nick Sutherland
