There’s a new travel agency on the block in Chilliwack

At the height of the pandemic, travel agencies were shutting down across the country. Even as travel restrictions lifted, many agency owners decided to turn the lights off on the additional overhead costs associated with office spaces and opted for remote work places.

Although plans for South East Travel’s expansion were put on hold during that time, business partners Deborah Schroeder and Claire Banman never gave up on their goal of opening a new bricks and mortar location.

That dream officially became a reality on Feb. 1st as the Steinbach-Manitoba founded agency opened the doors to a second South East Travel location, this time in downtown Chilliwack, B.C. The co-owners celebrated the launch by having a grand opening weekend on April 5 and 6, which was attended by travel industry partners from the west and the agency’s original founder.

“We were joined by special guest Helen Funk, the founder of South East Travel in 1988, and my business partner Deborah Schroeder, both of whom flew out from Manitoba to join us,” notes Claire Banman, owner, senior travel consultant and destination wedding specialist at South East Travel.

For the full story, check out the latest issue of TRAVEL COURIER.