Karen has taken the plunge to bring KiwiHost to the Hawke’s Bay region.

Karen is a Senior Travel, Tourism & Customer Service Specialist based in the Hawke’s Bay.

Customer Service is at the heart of everything Karen does. She believes exceptional service is not just about processes — it is about attitude, consistency, empathy, and creating memorable experiences. In her new role, she is dedicated to supporting individuals and businesses to elevate their customer service standards and build lasting client relationships.

Karen Banks brings nearly two decades of experience in Travel, Tourism, Hospitality, and Customer Service education to her role. With a career that spans both industry and teaching, she combines real-world expertise with a deep understanding of how to develop confident, work-ready professionals.

Karen began her career working in both leisure and corporate travel as a Reservations Consultant, gaining first-hand experience in delivering high-level customer service, managing client expectations, and navigating complex travel logistics. She later worked with Accor as a Business Development Manager, where she strengthened her expertise in relationship management, sales strategy, and client engagement within the hotel sector.

Alongside her travel industry background, Karen has extensive hands-on hospitality experience. She has worked in bar and restaurant environments, delivered service at weddings and private functions, supported birthday and corporate events, and worked in hospitality at a local football club. These roles have given her a grounded, practical understanding of front-line service excellence and the realities of high-pressure service environments.

For nearly 20 years, Karen has been teaching Travel and Tourism, with a strong focus on Customer Service as the foundation of industry success. She is passionate about equipping students and professionals with the communication skills, service mindset, and professional standards required to thrive in customer-facing roles.

Get in touch with Karen via:
M: +64 22 153 7545 | E: karenkiwihost@gmail.com