EPISODE SUMMARY

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

1. Education and Continuous Learning

2. Focusing on the Customer

3. Implementing Systems

4. Building a Supportive Network

5. Overcoming Fear and Building Determination

6. 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