Innovative celebrated 35 years in the travel industry at an event in The Christchurch Club late last week. Galloway says that while technology has developed at a fast pace and many other companies have come and gone in that time, many of her objectives have stayed the same.
‘I’m excited that we have achieved our goal to make travel easier to and in destinations where clients may want and need more care and attention.
‘We started in 1990 mindful of traveller safety – that was and is still a fundamental prerequisite in all of our operations. Also we still offer the full services that have set us apart over the years and that people are are looking for even more post-covid.’
Galloway made special note of Cairo based director and receiver of the New Zealand Order of Merit Elhamy El Zayat and his role in developing wider diplomatic relationships for the company.
Galloway doesn’t shy away from discussing some of the tougher times for the Christchurch business but feels that these have (in the long run) helped with the company’s resilience.
‘The earthquake was huge for us. We became business refugees and it took three years to settle our business interruption claim – that’s just the way it was. That was a massive disruption but it also made us understand major threats.
‘When covid came we were prepared for it more than some others. For example the move from office to home was seamless because we had been through it before and we knew what to do – we were prepared.’
Galloway sees the strong role and high level of success women have in the industry as a real positive for travel now, but notes that it was not always like that.
‘I was one of the first female company operators in travel and I did face some resistance (in New Zealand). However, I was always accepted in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.’
She is looking toward 2026 with optimism. ‘The company is well positioned in the four-star to platinum market now with more high-end clients. They have discretionary income that they are prepared to use for their dream trip.’