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Host Introduction
Holly Velardo – Founder and owner of HollyDay Travel, a boutique home-based travel agency in Port Noarlunga, South Australia
25 years of travel industry experience; started HollyDay Travel 8 years ago while raising 5 children (including twins)
Vice Chair on the board of ATAC (Australian Travel Agents Cooperative)
South Australian Representative for the TIME (Travel Industry Mentor Experience) program
Background Story
Started career straight after Year 12, completing an Advanced Diploma in Tourism at TAFE
Worked for various companies, including incentive travel and Venture Holidays (Head of Retail Department)
After having twins (children 4 and 5), decided to start her own business
Chose to be a completely independent agent and joined ATAC for support and buying power
COVID Impact & Transformation
Both Holly and her husband Angelo (who worked at Adelaide Airport) lost their travel industry jobs during COVID
Had to find alternative employment quickly while keeping HollyDay Travel open
Used the COVID period to focus on education and business development
This period became the foundation for significant business growth
Six Steps to Travel Business Success
Education and Continuous Learning
Focusing on the Customer
Implementing Systems
Building a Supportive Network
Overcoming Fear and Building Determination
Setting Clear Goals
Key Takeaways
Building a successful travel business takes time — it won't happen overnight
Each person's journey is different: find what resonates with your situation
Take at least one actionable item from the episode to implement immediately
Mentorship, continuous learning, and community support are essential
Customer focus and relationship building are crucial for long-term success
By Holly VelardoHost Introduction
Holly Velardo – Founder and owner of HollyDay Travel, a boutique home-based travel agency in Port Noarlunga, South Australia
25 years of travel industry experience; started HollyDay Travel 8 years ago while raising 5 children (including twins)
Vice Chair on the board of ATAC (Australian Travel Agents Cooperative)
South Australian Representative for the TIME (Travel Industry Mentor Experience) program
Background Story
Started career straight after Year 12, completing an Advanced Diploma in Tourism at TAFE
Worked for various companies, including incentive travel and Venture Holidays (Head of Retail Department)
After having twins (children 4 and 5), decided to start her own business
Chose to be a completely independent agent and joined ATAC for support and buying power
COVID Impact & Transformation
Both Holly and her husband Angelo (who worked at Adelaide Airport) lost their travel industry jobs during COVID
Had to find alternative employment quickly while keeping HollyDay Travel open
Used the COVID period to focus on education and business development
This period became the foundation for significant business growth
Six Steps to Travel Business Success
Education and Continuous Learning
Focusing on the Customer
Implementing Systems
Building a Supportive Network
Overcoming Fear and Building Determination
Setting Clear Goals
Key Takeaways
Building a successful travel business takes time — it won't happen overnight
Each person's journey is different: find what resonates with your situation
Take at least one actionable item from the episode to implement immediately
Mentorship, continuous learning, and community support are essential
Customer focus and relationship building are crucial for long-term success