How Personalised Journeys Are Revolutionising Travel Planning – An Interview with CEO Tonia Kisliakov
Updated: Apr 8
Tonia Kisliakov is an experienced Australian travel professional known for her dedication to creating meaningful, authentic travel experiences that connect people with the world and with themselves. Through her work with Gateway Travel, she has helped countless travellers discover new destinations, cultures, and perspectives, all while curating journeys that balance comfort, creativity, and genuine connection.
Tonia Kisliakov, CEO/ Director of Gateway Travel
Who is Tonia Kisliakov?
I’m one of the founders and CEO of Gateway Travel, based in Sydney, with more than two decades of experience helping clients explore the world with confidence. My passion for travel began early and grew into a lifelong career built on trust, attention to detail, and genuine care for my clients. I specialise in creating seamless, stress-free journeys that allow people to truly enjoy their time away, knowing every detail has been professionally managed. The idea is always to keep travel as simple as possible for my clients.
Our clients’ experiences speak for themselves – you can read reviews of Gateway Travel on TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, and Google.
What experiences and expertise make you uniquely qualified to plan unforgettable travel experiences?
I have been in the travel industry since 1972, giving me over five decades of hands-on experience. Early in my career, I ran my own walk-in travel agency with a large office and staff, gaining first-hand experience managing every aspect of retail and wholesale travel. I worked extensively on airline reservation systems including Galileo and Amadeus.
For over 35 years, my business specialised in travel to the Russian Federation. I made the difficult decision to stop this work when the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine – a turning point where I could either retire or reimagine travel planning for today. I chose to build a better, more flexible, client-focused travel system.
With decades in the travel industry, extensive personal travel, and hands-on negotiation with trusted destination specialists worldwide, I connect clients with the right experts who handle every detail of their trip, delivering fully customised journeys. I have no need for staff or employees, outsourcing only when necessary, and I personally manage social media and client communications to maintain close control over service quality.
What problems or challenges do your clients usually face when planning a trip, and how do you solve them?
Clients often feel overwhelmed by online information, confusing pricing, hidden fees, and uncertainty about what’s best for them. I simplify the process by connecting clients with the right destination specialists who handle every detail. I listen carefully to their interests, budget, and travel style, then match them with the best expert for their journey.
Our destination specialists work with local experts at each destination. Clients always have someone they can contact 24/7, giving them peace of mind and support at every stage. The aim is to keep travel as simple as possible while providing fully tailor-made experiences.
What makes your approach to travel planning more effective than booking trips independently?
I have developed a “niche within a niche” approach by working directly with highly specialised Destination Management Companies (DMCs). By negotiating with these specialists, I secure better value, reduce mark-ups, and streamline the travel experience. This allows tailor-made itineraries based on client interests, budget, and style – not generic tours.
I connect clients directly with destination specialists who manage personalised journeys. Every itinerary is built around what matters most, from culture and wellness to adventure and culinary experiences.
I also offer a unique group travel program, anyone who gathers a minimum of 10 people receives the 11th person free and a 15% commission per person for organising the group.
We also have an online booking engine for guided tours in Oceania, Europe, and South America. Each guided package can be amended before, during, or after the tour, allowing full personalisation for each client.
This opportunity is open to travel agents, retail travel agents, resellers, seniors groups, retirees, lifestyle advocates, corporate teams, wellness groups, adventure travellers, incentive organisers, and community groups. We ask everyone to email us at info@gatewaytravel.com.au with their travel interests, budget, preferred dates, and group size. Our destination specialists then work directly with them to create a fully customised experience.
The overall aim is to make travel as simple, smooth, and enjoyable as possible.
What advice would you give someone who’s ready to take their next big journey but isn’t sure where to start?
Think about how you want to feel on your trip – relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, or a mix. Once you know that, speak with a professional who can turn your vision into a realistic plan.
Avoid rushing into online deals without understanding the full picture. Plan properly, ask questions, and work with someone who has your best interests at heart. A well-planned journey creates confidence, enjoyment, and lasting memories.
About Gateway Travel
Gateway Travel has been serving clients worldwide for decades, specialising in bespoke, tailor-made itineraries and group travel programs. Our client reviews on TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, and Google reflect our commitment to quality, reliability, and personalised service.
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