Almost a year has passed since the closure of New Zealand's international borders to anyone who was not a citizen or permanent resident.

This measure, in tandem with the subsequent introduction of compulsory managed isolation for returning travellers, effectively erased the option of international travel for the foreseeable future.

Despite the immediate and devastating effect of these restrictions upon the New Zealand travel industry, House of Travel's Tanya Aitken has remained steadfast in her determination to navigate a safe path through for her customer, her business and her teams.

Tanya has ensured that her three Bay of Plenty offices will remain open and continues to offer customers the services they require in this very difficult time with refunds, cancelations and necessary travel requirements.

Travel in this new world is complex and it requires travel professionals with a greater pool of knowledge, expertise with their finger on the pulse, to be ready to act 24 hours a day as the changing world demands to ensure the best outcome for travellers.

In March last year, Tanya was very quick to realise Covid could be disastrous for the travel industry and diversification was essential.

'I am endlessly proud of my team and how they have embraced the many opportunities we have sort to find a path through these times,” she says.

'Our team are at the forefront of contact tracing, Healthline, customs work and have picked up all manner of opportunities to ensure we survive this complex journey to international borders re-opening.”

To continue in their philopshy of providing inspiration and travel expertise to their customers, House of Travel wish to mark the conclusion of a year that has challenged the travel industry like no other.

Tanya and her team are holding a ‘Holidays@Home' expo at their location in The Crossing. This showcase of New Zealand travel experiences, which will take place on Thursday, March 25, will host a selection of seven suppliers who specialise in domestic touring, cruise, sightseeing and accommodation experiences. Also, in anticipation of the quarantine-free trans-Tasman bubble opening, the team will be introducing some of Australia's most unique and unforgettable experiences.

'You won't pay any more by making your holiday bookings with House of Travel, and you'll have the feel-good factor of supporting great locally owned businesses here in the Mount, Papamoa, and Tauranga Crossing, plus the peace of mind of being able to reach us 24/7 if you have any travel related emergencies,” says Tania.

The expo will consist of a series of small-group presentations across three two-hour blocks, (10am – 12pm, 2 – 4pm and 6 – 8pm), interested customers will need to register early to avoid missing out.

To protect the health and wellbeing of their valued customers and their team, House of Travel have pre-planned to operate our Holidays@Home Travel Expo under Alert Level 2 requirements.