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The travel industry has had a lot of ups and downs since Covid-19, but Dennis Payne of House of Travel Ōrewa says things are now better than ever, and the time was right to set up new premises in Ōrewa town centre.
“We never went away, but we did a lot of working from home, dealing with clients’ credits and refunds,” Dennis says.
With around 40 years’ in the business, Dennis has a good perspective on ‘the new normal’ with demand for travel through the roof, and House of Travel’s five staff busier than ever.
It’s a people-focused industry, and Dennis says that is what House of Travel’s brand new premises, opposite the Nautilus, is set up for.
Alongside reception is an area where you can discuss your travel hopes and dreams with an agent, in lounge-like comfort.
Dennis says it is key to match the travel needs of each client with the right agent.
“That’s how the really productive conversations happen,” he says.
He says between himself and agents Lee Broadbent, Bea Jennins and Christine Boshoff there is a very wide range of expertise.
“We take the time to focus on the travellers themselves – finding the best way to achieve what they want to do. The pressure of numbers travelling is huge – so getting onto a particular flight, tour or cruise is not as straightforward as it once was. People want the security of booking with an agent, as opposed to simply looking for the cheapest fare online.”
Dennis says he and the team are excited to be back in Ōrewa, looking after both long term and new clients.
“It was 20 years ago that I took over House of Travel Ōrewa, and we’re still here – definitely something worth celebrating,” he says.
