Light at the end of the tunnel for tech-tourism in Queenstown

Business savvy sisters: Maria Rapata (left) and Karmela Rapata

DESPITE Covid-19, Queenstown’s Startup eco-system remains fertile – with the region’s newest tech-tourism Startup launching last week. 

Check In Queenstown, co-founded by two business savvy sisters -  Maria and Karmela Rapata, is a destination platform created to connect out-of-towners with local places, spaces, advice and activities – an online concierge service anchored by local people.

Inspiration for the Startup was simple – they wanted to sing from the mountain tops just how wonderful this neck of the woods really is, they saw a gap in the market and they backed themselves. 

More specifically, the market seemed to be coming up short when it came to concierge  type services for private holiday home owners to offer their guests, unless they were high end. This is where Check In Queenstown comes to the party. 

 Then Covid hit. But, they soldiered on through, choosing fight over flight. 

 “This crisis could have seen the indefinite hibernation of our project, but instead we saw opportunity, Karmela says. 

 “Our pathway moving forward is very different, but our intention remains the same.”

Covid severed plans for a soft-launch approach to the Startup, but was the catalyst for a wider digital presence. 

Fortunately, Check In was able to “flex” with these changes, Karmela says.  

Cheers to the future: Maria Rapata (left) and Karmela launched their business last week in Queenstown

The sisters are perfectly matched in their new venture together, as well as being family they each bring unique experience to the table in both the hospitality and tourism sector. 

Maria owns and operates Quality Home Services - a full property service company, and together they own Rapata.

The latter has two facets – it was originally created to share business resource and spend across a number of family businesses and now, under Rapata Luxury, provides a high-end concierge and visitor experience offering.  

On top of this Karmela has 10 years’ experience in the wholesale/inbound tourism industry. 

They’re a dream team, also joined by Vanessa van Uden – Director, Alana Hodges – Reservations and Database and Donna Morahan – Accounts and Administration.

The sisters’ online platform has taken full advantage of technology available which frees them up to do other, more pressing things, such as relationship building, creating experiences, connecting with people and seeking out new opportunities. 

“Without a doubt tech provides us with the solutions to support this and so much more.” 

Like many Queenstowners, Karmela and Maria chose the Queenstown Lakes region because of the lifestyle, but they also reckon it’s the perfect place for entrepreneurs. 

“When you are motivated by lifestyle your choices are different and we feel that in itself provides an environment in which creating, and innovating can thrive,” Karmela says. 

On top of that, they’ve been surrounded by people from all walks of life happy to share their knowledge, which has given them confidence to share their own ideas. 

This project has been two years in the making and they both agree it’s exciting to reach this first milestone of opening. Especially because it now means they can share their businesses, intention and passion with the world.  

Although they’re only in their first week of operation, they’ve already got their sights set on expansion. 

The Check In Queenstown platform can and will be rolled out in other locations nationwide, reflecting on what is important locally for each destination. 

When it comes to giving advice to other budding entrepreneurs – the sisters are pragmatic. 

“Keep it simple, connect and collaborate more, understand where you are adding value and use technology to drive your message, functionality and connectivity, Karmela says. 

“If it’s a great idea, share your passion, find others who understand and can help. 

“Just get out there and do something!”