Lisa Li, MNZM

Lisa's journey in travel didn't begin with a business plan — it began with a deep, personal connection to two very different worlds. Born in Qinghai and raised in Xi'an, she grew up surrounded by China's history, culture, and everyday life. After starting her career with China Travel Service, she moved to New Zealand in 1998 — a country that, at the time, felt quiet, open, and completely different from anything she had known.

What started as a new chapter soon became a mission. In 2000, Lisa established the New Zealand branch of China Travel Service. Over the past 25 years, she has built it into one of the most trusted bridges between New Zealand and Asia — not just through business, but through relationships, understanding, and a genuine passion for connecting people through travel.

Having worked across both China and New Zealand for decades, Lisa understands travel from both sides — how it is experienced, and how it is delivered behind the scenes. This allows CTS Tours to go beyond standard itineraries, offering journeys that feel seamless, authentic, and thoughtfully designed.

In 2025, Lisa was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in recognition of her contribution to the tourism industry. This prestigious honor reflects her dedication to building strong ties between New Zealand and Asia through travel.

Today, Lisa continues to shape the direction of CTS Tours with a clear focus: helping travellers experience Asia with confidence, and supporting travel agents with the insight and reliability that only comes from long-standing, on-the-ground expertise.