The Covid-19 pandemic closed the doors on the agency but the business is back with four staff.
The travel agency has reopened at 82 Main St.
It has four experienced travel consultants bringing a combined 50 years of expertise, specialising in cruising, touring, and independent and family travel.
The reopening in Gore is the 64th store for House of Travel — the largest Kiwi-owned and operated retail travel brand in New Zealand.
House of Travel Gore retail manager Kelly Morrison said until the pandemic stopped travel in its tracks, House of Travel Gore was a beloved part of the local community for 30 years.
"We’re absolutely thrilled to be back and reconnecting with our community in person! Our mission is to once again become the trusted, ‘go-to’ travel partner for Gore, both now and for many years to come," she said.
As the team settles into the Main St store, they are already seeing exciting travel trends emerge for 2025.
Gore residents are favouring Australia as a destination.
"A hop, skip, and a jump, and you’ll find yourself across the Ditch, with Australia already shaping up as a firm favourite for Southlanders, and one of the top destinations locals are booking for 2025.
"Australia is popular because it caters to all traveller tastes from vibrant cities and culture to breathtaking natural beauty, including the Great Barrier Reef and the outback.
"It has world-class festivals, concerts and attractions like the Sydney Opera House."
Bali was also a top destination choice for Southlanders with strong bookings in 2025 already, Mrs Morrison said.
Bali was a fantastic alternative to the South Pacific for those seeking an affordable tropical escape, or to experience something different.
"Our customers return home raving about Bali’s stunning beaches like Sanur and are wowed by the famous Kuta surf spot, and terraced rice paddies in Ubud, or jungles in the north."
The United States was always a popular destination and RV road trips were gaining in popularity as a way to explore that nation of diversity, Mrs Morrison said.
Southlanders were drawn to Los Angeles, New York, and the Southern states, wanting the taste of all-American diners, catching a baseball game or star spotting in Beverley Hills.
The music hall at Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and Nasa Space Centre in Houston were other top picks, Mrs Morrison said.
