Rulers of the travel universe [Sponsored Content]
by Tori Keating
We didn’t set out to become rulers of the travel universe, but it seems like destiny had other plans for us. When we first started xtravel, we focused on creating unforgettable travel experiences for our clients, not on conquering the world. Our deep love for travel, exploration, and adventure inspired us to share our expertise and experiences to craft bespoke journeys that would blow people’s socks off.
At the core of xtravel lies a set of values guiding our every move and interaction with clients. Integrity, honesty, and transparency are embedded in our ethos, and we believe in providing accurate information, managing expectations (sadly, your hotel room doesn’t come with a fridge full of ice cream), being open about costs, and ensuring our clients trust us implicitly.
By conducting our business this way, we’ve earned the respect and trust of our clients and also the New Zealand travel industry. What started out as three of us operating out of a living room has grown into a team of 12 across Aotearoa, and we don’t seem to be slowing down. In fact, we’ve just signed a lease on an office space that’s so large it could double as a roller disco.
Despite the challenges of Covid-19, we’re punching above our weight. While the rest of the travel industry was in hibernation, we dove headfirst into the stormy waters of the Covid tempest. And we didn’t just survive; we pirouetted all the way to success! While other agencies were letting go of staff and praying for a miracle, we adopted a Southern, can-do, women-get-shit-done attitude, chartering Boeing Dreamliner planes across the Pacific Ocean to bring stranded travellers home. This led us to create a South American arm of the business, advise governments on logistics, appear in international media, make aviation history, and win all sorts of awesome awards.
Our bold and innovative approach paid off, and xtravel became one of the few agencies that grew during the pandemic. By combining our expertise, knowledge, and, above all, empathy (we’ve mastered the art of comforting travellers with virtual hugs), we were able to offer secure advice and care to those lost in the travel chaos.
But now we face a tricky challenge. Before Covid-19, New Zealand had 5,000 travel agents. Now there are only 1,500, and with everyone desperate to hit the road again and abandoned clients searching for new agents, we’re like popular kids at the high school dance, trying not to step on anyone’s toes while dancing like nobody’s watching.
However, tricky challenges are our speciality. Our success is a testament to our resilience, determination, and adaptability. In an industry which adapts daily due to weather disruptions, schedule changes, security threats and shortages of beer in Rarotonga, we’ve got to be nimble and think outside the box. Every single day we have to rise to the challenge.
We’re not ashamed to admit we’re learning as we go. Each new challenge sharpens our business skills and fortifies our expertise. Our aggressively positive attitude and ability to face any challenge have catapulted us into the travel industry spotlight. And in an industry traditionally run by men while women work the coalface, we’re proud we’re becoming role models for other women in the field and that we are quietly (but not always humbly) poking a big stick up towards that glass ceiling.
Our success story is a reminder that even in adversity, there’s a way forward for those brave (or crazy) enough to take a risk, embrace change, and keep their eyes on the prize. We’re really excited about the future and where it will take us, and we’re proud that our success means we can support different local initiatives and charities, including the Wakatipu High School Foundation, the Uplift Project providing women in the Pacific with bras, local theatre and sporting groups and so much more.
It’s been a wild ride, and we’re only just beginning. So, buckle up, fellow travellers, because your journey is part of ours, and it’s bound to be filled with adventure, laughter, and enough memorable moments to make your friends green with envy (or maybe that’s just motion sickness).
