24 Aug 2021

 Rustic Woods Travel and Tours, a small business in Francistown has managed to stay afloat when many others closed shop due to COVID-19.

Diversifying seemed logical to the company whose name now bears the words ‘car rentals’ to indicate that it has expanded services.

The owner, Mr Roger Tiroyamodimo feels a sense of accomplishment that the company has made it during a period when many, especially those offering the same service, could not continue operating any more.

“What is even more impressive is that my wife and I started operating the agency February 2019, right before the pandemic hit the country,” he said.

The agency is not restricted to local travels but across borders as well, the latter more profitable than the former and quite popular among clients.

But now with travel restrictions forced by the pandemic, Mr Tiroyamodimo said focus was on inbound travel because it was safer.

“We experienced a major loss during the country’s first lockdown last year. No money was coming in but we had expenses to pay such as insurance, rentals, salaries and other expenditures,” Mr Tiroyamodimo said adding that the company managed to retain its staff of three.

“We have invested in training our staff. They are exceptionally skilled and equipped in ensuring the smooth running of the company. Losing them is never an option,” he said.

Faced with the pandemic, Mr Tiroyamodimo said, the company introduced packages friendly to the COVID-19 regulations.

They partnered with some resorts in Maun, Kasane, Makgadikgadi, Tsodilo and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary among others, to make travel more affordable.

“Most packages were trendy and manageable enough to protect clients from the virus while having fun at the same time,” Mr Tiroyamodimo said adding that customers and drivers were provided with disposable masks and sanitisers.

 He said good customer service was the company’s main strength because they did everything to make the trips memorable.

Rustic Woods Travel and Tours discounted rates in consideration that the economy is not as sound as it was before and to make travelling affordable.

“It is important to go on vacation once in a while. Life does not have to be boring in the new normal,” Mr Tiroyamodimo said.

Not only do they offer transport to those wishing to travel, clients who opt to use their vehicles are free to hire a driver only and the owner is counted as one of those drivers.

It has not been an easy journey and Mr Tiroyamodimo said the company sought financial assistance to augment funds set aside for rainy days, to keep the company running.

 “We are in it for the long haul and look forward to life post COVID-19,” Mr Tiroyamodimo said. ENDS