15/09/2023
GARO WIA-PAI - From a Deferred Dream to Reigning the Skies: A Resilient Journey Through the Travel Industry As a teenager with a heart full of dreams, stepping into the University of Goroka (formerly known as the Goroka Teachers' College), she had her sights set on becoming a Secondary School Teacher. But life, as we know it, has a knack for steering us in unexpected directions. When her father passed away, her dreams were put on hold and her government-sponsored ticket was returned to Air Niugini. Unbeknownst to her at the time, this twist of fate would pave the way for her remarkable journey in the travel industry. Her voyage into the world of air travel began humbly at the Air Niugini Haus, where she learned the ropes as a Data Entry Operator. From this first interaction with the underpinnings of the airline industry, her curiosity and interest were piqued, setting her on an unanticipated but rewarding career path. Climbing the corporate ladder, she went from the Computer Department to the Sales Department, each step fostering an enriched understanding of the travel industry. Her journey of professional growth continued as she received her Reservation and Ticketing Training at the Air Niugini Training Department. Her role at Air Niugini was a ticket to not just a fulfilling career but an opportunity to explore the nation. It took her to the heart of Lae, the cultural hub of Bougainville, and the lively streets of Aropa, Arawa, and Panguna. An unexpected departure from Bougainville led her to join the ranks of Milne Bay Air (now known as PNG AIR), furthering her professional journey in Goroka, Madang, and Lihir. However, amidst this professional ascension, family obligations called her back to Port Moresby. As a single mother, she prioritized her son's education and caring for her own mother, proving her resilience and adaptability in the face of life's challenges. Her remarkable journey in the travel industry didn't stop there. It led her to work with notable travel agencies such as Travel Planners, Westpac Travel, and one of the world's largest travel groups, Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. With this global giant, she found herself attending training and conferences in Australia almost bi-weekly, embodying the phrase "living out of a suitcase." Her expertise then graced the halls of Travel Services Ltd., Papua New Guinea's largest travel agency. After dedicating ten fruitful years there, she spread her wings to explore new horizons with LD Travel Agency, a branch of RHICORNESE Holdings Limited. However, the devastating pandemic, COVID-19, resulted in her redundancy in 2020. The pandemic was a moment of reflection for her, a moment to understand the essence of life beyond survival. While the setback could have put a pause on her career, her unstoppable drive pushed her to seek a new beginning. She reached out to Rainbow Travel Agency (RTA) and embraced the opportunity to take on a part-time role.
Fast forward to today, as the Sales Manager of Rainbow Travel Agency, she upholds her developed work ethics and utilizes them in training new employees, acquiring new business clientele, and ensuring sales targets are met promptly. Her journey through the industry has embedded a deep understanding of the "get it right" mantra that she imparts to her work every day. Her story is a testament to her resilience and strength, overcoming numerous struggles as a single, working-class mother in Papua New Guinea. The young girl who once dreamt of being a teacher now navigates the vast sky of the travel industry, teaching many about resilience, adaptability, and the power of dreaming, despite the detours life may throw at you.
