Celebrity’s Edge series of ocean ships is renowned for its luxurious accommodation and innovative features, such as transformable stateroom living spaces that can double as verandas and the “Magic Carpet,” a cantilevered platform that rises 16 stories above the water, serving as a bar and multifunctional space.

MTA was honoured to receive the awards for “Highest Growth in Tours” and “Top Tour Producer”.

“Winning these awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Travel Advisors as well as the support of our valued supplier partners”, said Don Beattie – MTA CEO, on receiving the awards, “We’re honoured to be recognised by Virtuoso”.

This year the awards were held at the Four Seasons Hotel on the banks of the iconic Chao Praya River and the theme was “Together for Tomorrow”. The annual awards honoured Virtuoso members and partners who “elevate the travel industry and create memorable experiences for luxury travellers in Australia and New Zealand.”

The recognition highlights Rhona’s exceptional dedication and knowledge of the cruise industry in a career spanning over 25 years. Rhona has consistently demonstrated her ability to go above and beyond in providing outstanding service and cruise solutions to advisors and clients alike.

The CLIA Cruise Industry Awards serve as a platform to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations within the cruise sector. As one of the most respected accolades in the Australian cruise industry this award underscores Rhona’s expertise and professionalism and enhances her reputation as leading authority in the field.

MTA has long been recognised as a leader in the travel industry, known for its innovative approach and commitment to customer satisfaction. With a network of experienced leaders like Rhona Rodgers, MTA continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the cruise and travel sector. 

This year’s conference, themed “Celebrate the Journey,” will gather over 300 travel professionals from across Australia to explore the evolving landscape of the travel industry. It marks the first national gathering for MTA since 2020 and the inaugural occasion of hosting the event overseas, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to innovation and global collaboration.

MTA is honoured to welcome Dr. Joanne Orlando, a respected international researcher, social commentator, and futurist, as the keynote speaker for the conference. Dr. Orlando is renowned for her groundbreaking work in changing our relationship with technology, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).

During her keynote address, Dr. Orlando will delve into the role of AI in the travel industry, exploring its current applications, weaknesses, and opportunities for enhancement. She will share insights on leveraging AI to augment, rather than replace, the roles of travel agents, empowering them to enhance business efficiency and client satisfaction. Additionally, Dr. Orlando will provide a glimpse into future AI trends in the travel sector and outline the professional trajectory for industry professionals.

“We’re delighted to have Dr. Joanne Orlando as our keynote speaker for our National Conference,” said Karen Merricks, Managing Director and Founder of MTA. “Her expertise and insights into the intersection of technology and travel align perfectly with our theme of celebrating the journey and navigating industry changes. Dr. Orlando’s engaging keynote promises to equip our attendees with practical tools to thrive in the digital era.”

Dr. Orlando’s keynote address is anticipated to be one of the highlights of the conference, offering attendees invaluable strategies for boosting productivity, mental health, wellbeing, and safety in an increasingly digital world.

1. Looking at the size and health of the travel organisation of which the woman is a part of;
2. The importance of the work that they do within the travel industry;
3. How their work has impacted and influenced the general workings/economics of the travel industry;
4. The arc of the woman’s career – how they have gotten to where they are today. They also look at look at how each woman is using her power to help inclusivity and equality. 

MTA’s Co-Founder and Managing Director, Karen Merricks, has secured a spot in the TOP 20 POWER LIST 2023 at the Women in Travel Awards by Travel Weekly! 🏆

Being a pioneer in the home-based model for travel agents, Karen envisioned what has become a thriving trend in the industry today. Back in 2000, she laid the foundation for MTA – Mobile Travel Agents as a family business, and it has since grown to encompass over 450 mobile travel agents nationwide.

Well done to Karen Merricks and MTA for making waves in the travel industry!

Travellers could soon see themselves jumping on a train in London and getting off in Germany, thanks to the new deal between Eurostar and Thalys. This approval has birthed one huge rail company that will serve five countries – the UK, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany.

The new holding company will be named the Eurostar Group, with both railway companies remaining fully independent with headquarters in London and Brussels.

The shareholders of Eurostar and Thalys noted in a media statement that they are more convinced than ever that the combination of Eurostar and Thalys will help to meet the growing demand for sustainable mobility by promoting the development of a fleet operating on renewable energy.

Rail provides a much more sustainable travel option over short flights, emitting far less CO2 per passenger.

The company’s ambition is to carry 30 million passengers a year within 10 years (compared to 18 million customers in 2019) under a single brand: Eurostar.

Aside from the new destinations on offer, the new network is said to provide improved schedules for quick connections, supported by innovative digital tools at every stage of the journey.

There is also set to be a ‘joint loyalty programme across the unified network’, which basically means that passengers can benefit from more upgrades, discounts and complimentary journeys; including early access to partner offers as well as lounges and other personalised benefits.

www.eurostar.com

Source: Karryon.com