Fiscal year 2024 will be similar to 2023, but with more sales of long-haul travel. That’s what Travel Counsellor Caroline van Huigenbos says in her preview. At the end of last year, Caroline was once again named best Travel Counsellor in the Netherlands. This happened during the annual international conference of Travel Counsellors in Manchester. The year before, she had already won the prestigious title. She does not expect any major changes for 2024, she says when asked. ‘I expect a similar year to 2023. Although long-distance travel is really on the rise and a lot is already being booked for 2024.’ What will be your focus in the new year? ‘Long-distance travel, business travel and 3-generation travel. I like these directions the most. And what you focus on will come naturally.’ What are you personally most looking forward to in the new year? ‘To make people happy again with unforgettable trips and to inspire them with my trips. I already have some great trips planned: motorhome trip Canada, the Travel Counsellors ski trip, NYC with colleagues. Another colleague suggested that we explore Antarctica together. And Travel Counsellor Elize and I are celebrating our 15-year friendship, so there will be a nice trip for that too. Last year we went to Bhutan together, now we want to come up with something special again. Traveling to a new destination is the ultimate. That gives me a lot of energy to be able to play at the highest level again at home.’ Do you have any New Year’s resolutions? ‘Not specifically for the new year. But I do have a number of things that I have built in to live my life to the fullest, privately and professionally: a personal trainer (sports and nutrition), life is a party motto and gathering and keeping the right people around me.’ Photo: Caroline van Huigenbos (middle) with Jim Eastwood (global sales director Travel Counsellors, left), Fred van Eijk (Managing Director and founder Travel Counsellors Netherlands & Belgium) and Milka van Dam (General Manager Travel Counsellors Netherlands).
