Since then, he has helped thousands of people plan their travels — not all of which were conventional.
“Obviously back in the day, getting people into places such as behind the Iron Curtain and into Russia was always a challenge.
“That usually involved endless visas and paper trails,” he said.
His customers now include third generations of families.
“Some people have been clients almost from the start.”
Graham says the industry had been through many tragedies and downturns but bounces back each time.
“We’re talking Erebus, September 11, the hijacking in the Gulf, the Gulf War, SARS, bird flu and obviously Covid. How quickly the industry gets back up is phenomenal.
“The travel industry has been incredibly good to me. I have been really lucky. I have done some exciting things.
“I have mountain-biked across Tanzania, I’ve done five-star river cruises down the Nile and through the European rivers, experienced sea cruises of Alaska, St Laurence River and the Tahitian islands, and cycled through France, Spain and Italy.
“Visiting the Galapagos was really special and the game parks of South Africa were amazing.”
Graham will stay on as an adviser and part-time consultant for a further year after new owners Luisa and Grant Walsh take over in April.
Luisa, who comes from the English seaside town of Blackpool, started out in the New Zealand travel industry in 1998 before moving to China for six years, then back to the UK with Gisborne-born husband Grant.
The pair returned to Gisborne just before Covid-19 pandemic, with their three children.
“I’ve always been passionate about travel and was fortunate to get a job with Graham in 2022 when the borders reopened and he was looking for staff,” Luisa said.
“I’m keeping the name of Elliott Travel as Graham has built a legacy here and it feels right to keep it going.
“The business has a fantastic and loyal customer base — local and nationwide — with hundreds of satisfied customers.
“I want to maintain Graham’s wonderful legacy and keep World Travellers Gisborne - Elliott Travel as the iconic Gisborne institution it has always been.
“It’s great to know he is here to support me as we work through the transition.”
Luisa is up for the challenge and has plans of growing the business further.
“First on the agenda is to recruit extra staff to build on the already fantastic team working here.”
The couple take over the business on April 1.
Grant will continue in his role as sales director for First Fresh Ltd but will support the business behind the scenes.
“Grant and I are excited to see where we can take the business over the next decade. We have an experienced and friendly team at Elliott Travel with combined travel knowledge and expertise, ready to create special memories for all our clients, new and old.“
