For over 25 years, Helloworld Travel Ascot Vale has been a cornerstone of the local travel community, thanks to the dedication and leadership of Kathie Jones. Now, the baton has passed to Blair Galvin, former in-house consultant with a passion for creating unforgettable journeys.
Blair’s transition from consultant to business owner is an inspiring tale of hard work, growth, and an unwavering love for travel. We got the goss from Blair on his journey, plans for the future, and how he’s navigating this exciting new chapter with Kathie still cheering him on from within the team.
Taking the lead
Blair’s passion for travel ignited long before this new role.
“Travel has always been my passion,” he shared.
“I started my travel journey back when I was 20 through various roles in retail travel and airlines, and to now have the opportunity to be the proud owner of Helloworld Travel Ascot Vale is a great achievement.”
Owning a business for the first time comes with its challenges, but Blair is diving in headfirst. “The opportunity to learn and grow through being a new business owner is motivating. The challenge of being a new business owner is exciting. This is my first time owning a business and having my own staff to manage,” he said.
Luckily, Blair’s got a secret weapon: Kathie Jones. While stepping into semi-retirement, Kathie isn’t disappearing altogether.
Kathie Jones.
“Thankfully, Kathie will still be a part of the team to guide and nurture me through the different stages of owning a business,” Blair explained.
Building on a legacy
Taking over a business with such a strong reputation might sound daunting, but Blair sees it as an opportunity to build on an already-solid foundation.
“Kathie has built Helloworld Travel Ascot Vale to what it is today. She is well respected throughout the industry and by her loyal clients,” Blair said.
“Her hard work and dedication are why the business has been successful for 25 years.”
The plan isn’t to reinvent the wheel but to keep it spinning smoothly.
“We will focus on continually providing quality service to our loyal clients that they have learned to love. We will maintain our positive relationships with existing clients and suppliers as well as having more community engagement to drive the business into the future.”
What’s particularly heartwarming is the support Blair’s received from clients who have welcomed the change with open arms.
“The news of the change of ownership has been met by support and encouragement by our clients, and we are excited to see the business grow into the future,” he shared.
Travel trends: Intimacy, luxury, and experience
As someone deeply in tune with the travel world, Blair is keeping a close eye on emerging trends that shape his business. His observations highlight a shift towards more personalised and intimate travel experiences.
“Europe is booming again ahead of the 2025 summer season. We are seeing a shift towards small group cruising and luxury touring. Our clients now want a more intimate experience, more personable service, and to get away from the crowds,” Blair noted.
He also sees a surge in demand for fully independent travel (FIT) in specific destinations. “FIT is surging ahead, particularly in Vietnam, Japan, and Canada,” he said.
Adapting to trends is crucial, but Blair is confident that the foundations Kathie built are strong enough to handle the ebbs and flows of the travel world.
“Travel trends change over time. We need to stay ahead of these trends and adapt to any change. The business has been successful for 25 years; therefore, we do not need to reinvent the wheel.”
More than a business, it’s a community
Beyond the bookings and itineraries, what sets Helloworld Travel Ascot Vale apart is its role within the community. And Blair is committed to deepening this connection.
“We will maintain our positive relationships with existing clients and suppliers as well as having more community engagement to drive the business into the future,” he said.
The trust clients have in the brand, built over years of excellent service, is something Blair cherishes and plans to uphold.
“Our clients trust the brand, have a great connection with the team, and trust our agency to deliver the holiday of their dreams,” he shared.
“Travel is exciting, creating unforgettable experiences for our clients, sending them on trips of a lifetime, and hearing their stories of joy when they get home is one of the reasons we all love our jobs.”
