How did you get to become an Owner Operator?
It’s a loooong story … have spent my life travelling or dreaming of travelling. From the late 80s through to 2000 I travelled with and worked for an overland company called Dragoman providing the opportunity to explore Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Returning to NZ I tried teaching but couldn’t really get into it the same way I revelled in travel. Consequently, started in a very junior role as a travel consultant eventually joining House of Travel in 2005 and worked my way into OO from there eventually purchasing House of Travel Dunedin City in 2022.
What is a day in the life of your role?
That is the joy of the role there is no definitive day in the life of … we are asked to perform so many roles in the job that no day is the same. There are many challenges but so many rewards making travel plans come to life.
Do you have any advice for someone wanting to become an Owner Operator?
Be prepared to immerse yourself 100% into the role. There will be lots of laughs and memories to treasure along with many challenges, but 100% commitment is non-negotiable.
What do you love most about your job?
I will always love heading to the airport on another adventure. The role exposes you to so many aspects of travel that experiencing them is definitely my favourite part.
I think we are fairly laid-back crew who will give you a frank and honest opinion to create the best holiday at the best value.
What is your favourite thing about working for HOT?
The comradery in our HOT Dunedin City group and the wider House of Travel group. It’s important to know you have people you can rely on and turn to when you need honest advice.
Do you have a favourite destination?
The Sahara
Bucketlist destination?
All the ‘stans … Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan etc
