It ’ s a whole new deal booking a holiday
by Maryann Jenkins
For more than 23 years Melanie Stedman has been selling the wonders of Australia and the world to travellers looking for that perfect holiday from her Winston Hills agency .
The last 20-plus months have decimated the travel industry , but things are starting to happen as consumer travel confidence gains momentum as other countries catch up to Australia ’ s vaccination rates .
Melanie ’ s agency , Helloworld Travel in Winston Hills mall , has been in a hibernation – her staff mainly busy with chasing refunds for overseas travel and repatriation flights . But now it ’ s ramping up as world borders open .
“ We are recovering slowly . Our industry is very much moving forward , but it can be thrown into reverse very quickly overnight with any pandemic changes ,” she told the Independent .
“ Once a coffee shop reopens , it ’ s straight back in business . But when a travel agency opens its doors we ’ re not earning money until the customer takes the holiday , and bookings can be organised years in advance .”
Melanie said her agency is weathering the “ slow burn recovery ” as people grow more confident in taking holidays .
“ There is definitely a pent up demand for travel ,” she said .
“ We ’ re currently booking through to 2024 . People are so keen to cruise as it ’ s the easiest way with entry and exit visas , tests and border regulations .
“ There ’ s a real trend for bucket list holidays – Antarctica , North Atlantic , Northern Lights tours , most 2023 world cruises are sold out .
“ People that booked in 2019 haven ’ t gone on their holiday , so they ’ re cashed up and using their credits and refunds to buy luxury experiences , especially the 60-plus aged group .”
The mechanics behind travelling have changed significantly with the pandemic .
“ It ’ s now a very different type of travel ,” Melanie said . “ There ’ s new rules . Each country has different entry and exit requirements , airlines have different requests , so now more than ever , you really will need to book with an experienced agent to be sure you get across it all .”
Melanie says her agency , with a combined staff experience of more than 150 years , is well versed in world developments and can provide the latest information and guidance to ensure compliances are met .
“ Everybody is aware of health and hygiene now , double-vaccination , booster shots and health alerts just add another layer to travel .”
The Adelaide-born , Europe loving , one-time London resident Melanie , and her multi-award winning team specialise in organising tours , cruises and tailor made holidays .
Is it the perfect job ? Melanie still says a resounding “ yes ”. “ It is a calling , and I like holidays and enjoying helping people choose one .”
Melanie Stedman of Helloworld Travel , Winston Hills .
Helloworld Travel Winston Hills is located at Shop T63 Winston Hills Mall , Caroline Chisholm Dr , Winston Hills . Contact : 9620 8300 or email to make an appointment .
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HELLOWORLD TRAVEL WINSTON HILLS Shop T63 , Winston Hills Mall . Caroline Chisholm Drive , Winston Hills P : 02 9620 8300 E : winstonhills @ helloworld . com . au
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THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 79 // JANUARY 2022 11