Our History
Background of Tendai Travel
Tendai Travel started in December 1991, after seeing a need of unbiased travel
information in the market place. We still are non-aligned with any particular
airline, tour company or hotel, and do not want to "force" anyone to
take a certain option - but just to provide these options for you to make an informed
decision. Many agency chains have financial airline interests or seek special
targets with a certain airline to receive extra bonuses should targets be met..
We do not put this pressure on ourselves!
The name comes from the Shona language of Zimbabwe, with a roughly translated
meaning of "thankfulness to God" - of which all of us who are at Tendai
Travel are!
Tendai Travel is financially secure, pays all bills ontime, pays for your tickets
upfront, and relies totally on the word of mouth of current customers.
We started with 2 part time workers, and are now 2 full time, and have 4
part time staff., with the aim not to grow any bigger, but to keep the
needs of our regulars known by all who answer the phone, and to keep the
personal touch. We do not want to create a "call-centre" environment.
Consultancy
We see ourselves as the agent of the customer, not the agent of the airline
or tour company. We are here to listen to what you are needing, and to narrow
down from all the myriad of options available, what could be best for you, where
you can then decide from these options, based on finances, schedules, inclusions,
frequent flyer programs, and your own personal needs.
We attempt (but sometimes fail) to keep up with as
much of what is on offer, so we know what to offer
you, in your unique situation.
Premise
We have trebled in floor space over our 12 years
of operation, and whilst we operate from a professional
office at the front of residential premises, you will
find brochures, maps, plug adaptors, travelling clothes-lines,
water boilers for tea & coffee, money belts &
pouches, and various Lonely Planet guides to flick
through.
Meet our Staff
Andrew Gaskill
Has been here for a little under 15 years,
previously with Qantas International for 4 years in
Melbourne. He specialises in complex flight
structures, pricing, European itineraries, and rail
travel. Has travelled and worked in Europe &
Southern/East Africa, and visited some Pacific
Islands, parts of Asia, India & the Middle East. The
longest rail trip for him was crossing on the Trans
Mongolian, from Beijing to Moscow.
Has
recently started at Tendai Travel and is our accounts
representative. You can also
ask Evanne about travel insurance, domestic
fares, and your accommodation needs ...
From Northern Ireland, Evanne has just moved to
Australia from Scotland, having travelled in
Europe, Africa and parts of America and Asia.
Evanne is an artist in her spare time and also
plays piano and celtic harp.
Joan Firgaira
Joan has recently joined
Tendai Travel as an International Consultant.
Joan was previously in the inbound travel
industry and was ready for a change. Within 6
months, she went on a mission trip to Kenya, got
married, had a honeymoon in Port Stephens and
Cairns and travelled around the UK, Europe and
South-east Asia. She has also been to New
Zealand and all around Australia except the
Northern Territory, which she hopes to visit
someday soon. In her past time, Joan enjoys
landscape photography, fishing and playing pool.
Doris
Doris was born and grew up in Hong Kong, and has
travelled to Hawaii, Canada and other USA, as
well as South East Asia/China, and the UK and
France. Doris is fluent in
Cantonese, Mandarin and English! You can
speak to her or email her about your
international or domestic travel needs,
especially to Asia ! She has recently
become a mum for the first time.
Carol:
Carol has been with Tendai since Jan 07. She
made her way to Melbourne after spending much of
her childhood in the United Arab Emirates, and
then in New Zealand where she spent much of her
time working for Air New Zealand for a good 7
years. Her travels include
India, parts of
Europe and the UK, Fiji, NZ, Asia and the Middle East.
Carol is currently in
Bible
College and is a gospel
singer who performs around
Melbourne
with her choir, on her days off. She will be one
of the friendly voices you speak to when you
call in at Tendai.
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