By The Lazing Wanderer – 15th Apr 2021
2020 was an extremely disruptive year. For businesses, it was debilitating, particularly in the travel industry (including us). Most agencies have closed their doors; some folded. And even until now, with the crippling effects of the pandemic stretching out, we continue to grapple for survival.
Indeed, these trying times are distressing. Yet to receive an award for Best Holiday Tour Operator from Apac Insider is a great honor. It empowered and gave us a sense of fulfillment for the hard work and dedication that we have put forth. It also affirmed the right decision we made to carry on with the business at a moment when shutting down was the only rational course of action.
We are ecstatic about the recognition. And in the hopes of inspiring you, please allow us to share our story on this rewarding journey.
Our struggle started at the outbreak of coronavirus. While many companies succumbed and yielded to its global and massive impact, we opted not to buckle under and close down. But instead persevered, innovated, followed local authority guidelines, and moved our business online. Our team came together virtually in Apr 2020 to discuss how to kick start some activities and inject energy back to travel matters again. Below is the summary of what we have done:
We are very thankful to our customers who trusted and bear with us. We have managed to retain most of the 2019/2020 bookings. And to fully support customers who need to cancel their travel packages, we remained contactable and reachable throughout.
At the onset of COVID19, companies started to evolve digitally. Given that we operate as an online travel agency, to begin with, we already have a head start in this. So with more time on our hands, we strengthened and further improved our digital blueprint – SEO, social media engagement, digital marketing, and others.
Fast forward to today, our business is still fully operational – active in solidifying our online reach. Plans are on the way to expand operations in Malaysia, the Philippines, and India. Network and infrastructure are readily set up in these places and just waiting for the right time to launch it.
With the ongoing vaccination, hopefully, we will start to travel freely again. For now, may we all remain steadfast and optimistic. Revolutionize our businesses while we await. And just like in every storm, there is always a silver lining behind these dark clouds. Let us keep on as difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.
HOW WAS THE LAZING WANDERER CHOSEN
APAC Insider’s independent judging panel takes into consideration all supporting documents provided and supplied by the nominees. These then are compiled into a case file along with any other relevant information that we might have. Also, our dedicated researchers are on hand to prepare a case file on behalf of the nominees via merit-oriented research into public domain sources. Awardees must demonstrate expertise within their given field, dedication to client service and satisfaction, and commitment to excellence and quality.
ABOUT THE LAZING WANDERER
We are a travel agency providing various travel-related services to our clients, ranging from bespoke luxurious travel to weekend getaways. The Maldives is our flagship travel destination, with ultra-high-end (a private jet to 5 or 4-star resorts) and affordable tour packages. Among other destinations in our portfolio are Sri Lanka, Bintan, and Fiji. Take a look at our packages HERE
ABOUT APAC INSIDER
It is a quarterly publication that endeavors to bring the latest need-to-know business content and updates from across the Asia Pacific Region. APAC Insider is home to the very best news, features, and commentary from the people and institutions in the know. It keeps pace with the vast array of ever-changing sectors. Thanks to regular contributions from some of the foremost business professionals in the region.
