Ashburton Businesswoman Wins Travel Agent of Year Award

House of Travel Ashburton owner operator Maxine Whiting has been honoured by New Zealand’s leading travel industry magazine with a top award.

The passionate businesswoman, who has recently overseen an extensive refit of the Ashburton store, was named Travel Agent of the Year in the Travel Digest Travel Industry Awards 2014.

Whiting was nominated for the award by readers of the magazine, which include travel and tourism professionals from travel companies, travel colleges, travel agencies, tour and hospitality operators, and tourism companies throughout New Zealand.

The awards recognise excellence in the travel and tourism industry, with Whiting acknowledged for driving increased demand for more intrepid travel to Vietnam, Cambodia and India, and being named the top performing House of Travel medium outlet last year.

Describing herself as a ‘quiet achiever’, Whiting says she feels humbled by the recognition. “I’m honoured to win this after 27 years with House of Travel. To receive this award would not be possible without the commitment of my team, and it is as much about them as myself,” she says.

Having lived her whole life in the Canterbury region, Whiting loves being able to plan dream trips for her local customers, and has enjoyed seeing them become more adventurous in their choices of destination in recent years.

“I love working with our clients to create an awesome experience,” she says. “Customers are always looking for new and exciting places to travel to, but cruising is certainly starting to be high on lots of people’s lists.”

Having travelled extensively over her long career, Whiting says the best spots she has visited include Kenya and Tanzania, Thailand and Italy.

For more information, see www.houseoftravel.co.nz/hot-stores/ashburton