Today we’d like to introduce you to Nickisha Johnson
Hi Nickisha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The inspiration for our agency arose after a close friend returned from his inaugural trip to Egypt, where his experiences sparked significant interest among his followers regarding travel to Africa. Following his return, he approached me with the idea of organizing a group tour that would include friends, family, and followers. This collaboration culminated in the launch of The Elite Travel Co. in February 2021, a full-service travel agency dedicated to providing exceptional group travel experiences, with a particular emphasis on destinations in Africa.
What distinguishes our agency is our commitment to pre-arranging tours and accompanying our guests to ensure they receive high-quality, top-tier experiences throughout their journeys.
In addition to our group travel initiatives, I recognized the value of incorporating educational travel opportunities for youth. This realization fueled my long-standing passion for mentoring young individuals. Together with my partner, we organized a bus trip to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The success of our inaugural tour motivated us to expand our efforts, leading to the planning of six college tours and two private college tours over the past two years. To date, I have facilitated college visits for over 300 students across more than 20 college campuses, providing unique educational experiences for students in Cleveland and beyond who may not have had the opportunity to explore their college options firsthand.
My recent travels to Ghana deepened my commitment to connecting our guests with African history and culture, which has become the cornerstone of our organization.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Our journey has not always been without challenges. The Elite Travel Co. provides a service that appeals to a demographic of guests who may face financial constraints. As a result, we are deeply committed to our mission of delivering exceptional travel experiences at affordable prices. This commitment sometimes necessitates operating with little to no profit. I am driven by the belief that exposure is essential for creating a positive impact in the world—one trip and one guest at a time. My goal is to continue offering our travel experiences at an accessible cost for many years to come.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
This year (2024), The Elite Travel Co. evolved its focus and realigned its mission by launching the Elite Travel Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing travel opportunities for underprivileged and underrepresented youth. This initiative aims to offer students a unique and educational experience at little to no cost, facilitating annual visits to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as well as global travel opportunities, including tours to destinations such as Ghana, Egypt, and South Africa, among others.
Our tours have had a profound impact on the lives of our guests, many of whom have expressed their appreciation through heartfelt letters and have traveled with us on multiple occasions. These individuals have become like family to us. We are dedicated to cultivating a community of travelers who are inspired to explore the world from a fresh perspective.
I take great pride in being part of something larger than myself. I am dedicated to positively impacting the lives of the next generation of leaders, many of whom have faced challenges that I could never have anticipated. It brings me immense joy to contribute to their success and growth.
As a mother of a gifted and talented teenage son, I also find immense joy in demonstrating to him the value of giving back to the community, the essence of entrepreneurship, and the importance of self-belief. I encourage him to embrace risks and make sacrifices that may feel daunting, all while trusting the process to achieve the best possible outcomes.
To Readers: If you are a high school student or a parent of a high school student (ages 14 – 18) interested in participating in one of our youth tours, we warmly invite you to join us. Please visit our website for information on upcoming tours: www.theelitetravelco.com.
Additionally, if you would like to become a sponsor or partner with us, we encourage you to reach out. Our goal is to serve as a valuable resource in the community, providing access to those who aspire to turn their dreams into remarkable travel experiences. You can contact us at info@theelitetravelco.com or by calling (216) 990-7676.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending time at my paternal grandmother’s house with my siblings and cousins. We would enjoy sips of her sweet coffee while indulging in my favorite cereal, Cookie Crisp. Each visit was made even more special as we gathered together to watch “Beverly Hills Cop” over and over.
Pricing:
- Domestic tours start at $600
- International tours start at $2500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theelitetravelco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeelitetravelfoundation
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@TheEliteTravelCo
