Are you tired of the daily grind and looking for a way to turn your passion for travel into a thriving business? Making the leap from a traditional job to running your own business can feel overwhelming. However, thousands of travel professionals are taking control of their careers by becoming franchisees.

Today, we are talking with Esther Ngobeni, a seasoned travel and tourism graduate who decided to take her career into her own hands. Esther spent five years working in both the leisure and corporate travel sectors. Most recently, she worked as a corporate account manager, where she oversaw complex business travel arrangements.

Despite her success, Esther wanted a better work-life balance, the ability to set her own schedule, and the chance to build something for herself. In this interview, Esther shares her journey, her motivations, and what she looks forward to as a Travel Counsellor and business owner.

What is your background and where did you work before becoming a Travel Counsellor?

I am a travel and tourism graduate with five years of working experience in the industry. Over the years, I have handled both leisure and corporate travel, giving me a well-rounded view of what clients need. Before making the transition to start my own business, I worked as a corporate account manager. In that role, I oversaw all the business travel operations. I managed complex itineraries, handled corporate accounts, and ensured executives reached their destinations without any issues.

Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of work.

I love spending time with my family and friends. When I want to relax, I spend most of my time reading books. Naturally, I also love traveling. So far, I have focused heavily on domestic travel and have visited all the provinces in our country. I really love working with people and meeting new faces. Connecting with others is a big part of who I am, both professionally and personally.

What does becoming a Travel Counsellor mean for you?

Becoming a Travel Counsellor means achieving a much better work-life balance. It gives you the freedom to spend quality time with your loved ones. You can run errands in your spare time and set your own working schedule. I think becoming a Travel Counsellor will allow me to maintain strong client relationships and provide excellent customer service without experiencing burnout. You get to control your environment and your time.

What motivated you to start your own travel business?

I am a very reliable person. I always gave my all to make sure my clients were completely satisfied, and I successfully brought money into the business for my previous employers. I realized my own value. I thought, if I can do this so well for another person, surely, I can do it even better for myself. I wanted to channel my hard work and dedication into a business that I actually own.

What are you looking forward to most about being a Travel Counsellor?

I am looking forward to having a successful business. I also cannot wait to meet new people. As an independent business owner, every new connection is an opportunity to grow and share my expertise.

What do you love most about working in the travel industry?

I love working in this industry because it combines my passion for exploring new destinations with my professional desire to provide exceptional service. I love connecting people with new cultures. Making their travel dreams come true is incredibly rewarding. There is nothing quite like hearing how much a client enjoyed a trip that you planned for them.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Mauritius is at the top of my list. I would love to personally experience their culture and meet the people there. Visiting the beautiful white-sand beaches and swimming in the clear blue waters sounds like the perfect getaway.

Take the Next Step in Your Travel Career

Esther’s journey highlights exactly why so many talented travel professionals are choosing to become franchisees. By starting your own business as a Travel Counsellor, you take control of your time, your income, and your future. You can leave behind the strict schedules of corporate life while still delivering the high-quality, personalised service your clients deserve.

You already have the skills, dedication, and industry knowledge. Now, it is time to put those assets to work for yourself. We provide all the tools, technology, and support you need to build a successful travel business from the ground up.

Reach out to our franchise team today to learn how you can become a Travel Counsellor and start your own entrepreneurial journey.