Get to Know Dennis from Bunnik Tours
- Pri Mills
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
We caught up with Dennis—one of the founding “Bunniks” behind Bunnik Tours—to chat about his remarkable journey in the travel industry and the passion that drives him every day.
Can you start by introducing yourself? Tell us a bit about your background and your role in the travel industry.
“Hi, I’m Dennis and I’m one of the Bunniks behind Bunnik Tours. We create small group tours that connect people, places, and cultures. As one of the joint CEOs, I oversee our brand, external partnerships, finance, and IT. I’ve also had the privilege of chairing the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) for the past 10 years, leading industry lobbying efforts during the challenging covid years. My career began at Hilton Hotels in London, followed by a role at Qantas Holidays where I gained my qualification as a chartered management accountant. For the past 30 years, I’ve been on an incredible journey with our family business—from a small Adelaide travel agency to the renowned Bunnik Tours we know today.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in the travel industry, and what’s kept you passionate about it over the years?
“My mum, Marion, has worked in the industry her entire life—even before I was born! Growing up in a family of avid travellers made a career in travel a natural choice. I know it sounds corny, but what I love most is that we get to make people’s dreams come true. And, of course, the thrill of travel itself never fades—I still get excited every time I’m at the airport, even if I’m just heading to Melbourne.”
What’s the most memorable trip you’ve worked on, and what made it so special?
“It’s tough to choose just one! Escorting our very first tour through the 5 Stans last year was unforgettable. I was in Egypt when the Arab Spring revolution broke out and had the unique, surreal experience of evacuating all our clients. And then there was the first overseas trip post-covid—a tour to Sri Lanka where the shared sense of joy and freedom was simply incredible.”
What’s one trend or innovation in the travel industry that you think travel agents should focus on in 2025?
“For me, it’s not about chasing the latest trends but getting back to the basics: building genuine connections with clients and sharing your love and passion for travel. When you get those fundamentals right, everything else falls into place.”
How do you see the role of sustainability evolving in the travel industry, and how can travel agents implement more eco-friendly practices?
“I believe we’re moving towards a more holistic view of sustainability. It’s not just about carbon offsets or reducing plastic—it’s about doing the right thing in every aspect of the travel experience. This means lessening our environmental impact, benefiting the local communities we visit, and even addressing issues like travel consultant burnout and over-tourism. Every step of the process needs to reflect a commitment to sustainability.”
What’s a fun or surprising fact about you that not many people know?
“Most people already know about my YouTube channel—I just can’t stop talking about it! What started as flight reviews for travel agents and travellers has grown into a behind-the-scenes look at the airline industry. I’ve filmed everything from time spent with aircraft engineers in Edinburgh and Dublin to exploring what happens to airline blankets between flights.”
For more insights from Dennis and a closer look at Bunnik Tours’ journey, check out his work here:🔗 Bunnik Tours | 🎥 YouTube Channel
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