Cuzco Travel

Filomena Gonzales reflects on a changing Sunnyside

Located on a leafy block of Greenpoint Avenue, Cuzco Travel offers much more than just travel services. In 1983, Filomena Gonzales opened her full-service travel agency in a different Sunnyside storefront, booking trips all over the world. After moving into her current space in 2000 following a merger with Don Bar Travel, her business was negatively impacted by the events of September 11, 2001, which had a significant effect on the travel industry. Those impacts combined with the rise in booking travel online caused Gonzales to rethink her business strategy.

“I had studied accounting,” said Gonzales, “but I never thought I would end up doing that kind of work primarily.” While she is still a full service travel agent (with more than 30 years of experience to boot!), bookkeeping and accounting have become front and center to her business, as she has evolved with the changing economy.

“I love Sunnyside, and the neighborhood is definitely changing. I see more young, professional people moving into Sunnyside, and it’s great!” she says. “Every year I have more and more referrals, and more of my customers are these young professionals and their families.” Cuzco Travel, which shares space with the Woodside Herald, can not only book your dream vacation, but also assists individuals and small businesses with accounting, payroll, tax preparation and articles of incorporation.

Asked what her hopes were for Sunnyside, she replied: “for the community to keep on growing.”

Cuzco Travel | 43-11 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside | (718) 361-0662

Published: October 17, 2013