Kerryn Taylor – MTA – Mobile Travel Agents

Celebrity Cruises to join river cruise market

Kerryn Taylor — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 23:36:52 +0000

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled its latest venture: Celebrity River Cruises, a luxury river cruise line, building on its reputation as a leading premium ocean cruise line. With plans to enter the lucrative river cruise market, the company has already commissioned ten new ships. While details about ship design, staterooms, itineraries, shore excursions, and pricing remain under wraps, the new line promises “personalized service, world-class amenities, and unique itineraries” along Europe’s iconic rivers, hinting at an upscale experience. The line will launch its first river ships in 2027 and the new brand, Celebrity River Cruises will start to take bookings this year for European itineraries. The ships will also be able to accommodate 180 passengers making them the largest river ships in Europe.

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.

Karen Merricks named on 2024 Women in Travel Power List

Kerryn Taylor — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:20:52 +0000

Karen Merricks, MTA Co-Founder and Managing Director, has been recognised as one of the 2024 Most Powerful Women in Travel, earning the #14 spot on this highly regarded list.

This acknowledgment highlights Karen’s outstanding contributions to the travel industry. Her unwavering commitment to innovation, leadership, and empowering advisors within MTA has set new benchmarks for excellence.

Karen’s vision has not only driven MTA to incredible success but has also inspired countless professionals across the travel sector. This recognition reflects her passion and dedication to shaping the future of travel.

The list was announced at an awards ceremony held at Daltone House in Sydney last night (4/12/2024). “It’s such an honour to be recognised by peers within the travel industry”,said Merricks “It’s a testament to the incredible team at MTA and our Advisors who inspire me every day.”

UK ETA – new entry rules and fees for Australians

Kerryn Taylor — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 02:40:50 +0000

Australians planning to visit the UK from January 2025 will need to apply for the country’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance of their trip.

The ETA is a digital visa-waiver system, similar to the USA’s ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), designed primarily for tourism and business travel and does not replace a standard visa. Starting 8 January 2025, travellers from most non-European countries will need an ETA to enter the UK unless they hold an eVisa. This includes citizens from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. Meanwhile, citizens of most European nations will require an ETA from 2 April 2025.

Australians can apply for the ETA now via the UK Government website or the UK ETA app, available for Apple and Android devices.

The ETA application costs £10 (approximately A$20) and can be completed online by:

Providing passport and contact details
Uploading a valid digital photo
Answering a short set of questions
Paying the £10 fee with a credit or debit card

More info on the UK Gov website

MTA – Mobile Travel Agents celebrate record number of high achievers

Kerryn Taylor — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 08:40:57 +0000

MTA – Mobile Travel Agents (MTA) recently had the pleasure of hosting a series of High Achiever’s celebrations across Australia in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane. This year, the company celebrated a record number of over 200 High Achievers, recognising the exceptional performance of their expert Travel Advisors.

“These celebrations are a reflection of the exceptional talent and dedication of the people we have at MTA,” said Karen Merricks, co-Managing Director/Founder. “I’m incredibly proud of our High Achievers and the way they continue to set the standard for excellence. While we’ve had a record-breaking TTV this year and that’s certainly worth celebrating, our primary focus remains on supporting our advisors in enhancing their individual performance and yield.”

As part of MTA’s Reward and Recognition program, each celebration featured an invite only lunch and a chance to reflect on the successes of the past year. This year also marked a milestone for MTA as the company also celebrated a record year with Total Transaction Value (TTV) up over 56% compared to 2019 and over 42% compared to the previous record 2022/23 year, reflecting continued growth and success.

“Being recognised as a High Achiever within a network of more than 440 is an honour,” said one of MTA’s QLD based high achievers. “MTA’s ongoing support and the chance to get together and celebrate with other MTAs makes us feel like we’re truly part of a big MTA family”.

These celebrations not only honour the achievements of MTA’s top Advisors but also highlight the MTA family values that have been upheld for over 24 years as Australia’s original mobile travel network. With the Darwin celebration set for next month, the festivities continue as they celebrate the remarkable success of MTA Advisors nationwide.

Find out more about running your own travel business with MTA – Mobile Travel Agents

“There’s room for everyone in the travel industry”

Kerryn Taylor — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 07:16:53 +0000

MTA – Mobile Travel Agents CEO Don Beattie is an easy interview. Query him on MTA or the travel agency sector and he’ll go on and on (in a good way, of course).

A big part of Mobile Travel Agents’ success simply comes down to the flexibility it offers its members.

“We want everybody that we come in contact with to feel what MTA is. We don’t restrict anybody from doing anything,” Beattie tells Karryon in an interview.

“I think one thing that MTA does exceptionally is that we manage what we call ‘stage in life’. During life, there are births, deaths and marriages and everything in between. So sometimes business is not the most important thing in life. Our model supports that completely. I think it ties people to us.”

That commitment to providing an environment in which a healthy work-life balance can thrive mightn’t come as a shock to those who know the origin of Mobile Travel Agents.

Family-focused foundation

Mobile Travel Agents founders Roy Merricks (left) and Karen Merricks. (Image Mark Harada)

“So Karen and Roy Merrick started MTA 24 years ago. They are phenomenal. Karen started this business to predominantly give women who had children the opportunity to own their own business and come back into travel… and she’s carried that philosophy through all the way,” Beattie explains.

“MTA is heavily family-focused. But that does not mean that we’re not professional in what we do.”

This balance essentially means members can work at their own pace, and adapt the business model to suit their particular needs.

“We can’t magically aim at a target and hit it,” Beattie says.

“We want to support our advisors to grow their business at the speed and to the level they want. There are no sales targets in MTA. There are no sales targets for our staff in relation to recruiting at all.

“We want the focus to be on the people, not on the target. And does it work for us? I think we’re doing well.”

Record revenue

MTA – Mobile Travel Agents group in Fiji.

That’s putting it mildly. At the time of the interview, FY24 was on target to smash any previous year in terms of overall revenue for the group.

“We had a record year last year and this year is even higher than last year,” the Mobile Travel Agents boss says.

“This is the best time in recent years for people [in travel] to have a really good chance of being successful. And if you’re not busy at this point in time, I think you’d really have to investigate your way of operating.”

Overall, Beattie expects growth to continue for the group in the next few years.

“I think it might not be as high a percentage of growth but it will absolutely grow. Of course, the larger the growth is, even in percentage terms, the larger dollar returns there are. So two per cent growth of $100 million is different from 10 per cent growth of $10. So you’re going to see massive returns still,” he says.

“I think for the expert travel advisors, it’s almost got to the stage at this point in time, that there’s more custom than there is the ability to service that custom.”

And that’s the opposite of where the industry was during the pandemic.

“So it’s a wonderful place to be, but it’s created an opposite stress of the work-life balance. So COVID probably drove us more towards the leisure side of things. And now we’re at the exact opposite end of that pendulum where we’re at capacity. And now we have to almost get to the stage of saying, do I need to choose the customers with whom I wish to work? It’s a beautiful place to be.”

Room for everyone

MTA – Mobile Travel Agents head office staff. (Image Mark Harada)

It’s perhaps because of this, that Beattie says he isn’t concerned by the growth in competitiveness of the travel agency sector: from physical stores to online travel agents and indeed home-based advisors.

“There is room for everybody. I think what will happen is the slices of the pie are just going to change,” he remarks.

“I think what we see is somewhat of a shrinking of the shopfront retail and an explosion of perhaps the mobile style.

“Now, if an MTA member wanted to open a shopfront, they could, nothing is stopping them. What we would say is, you’re now introducing a new level of cost to your business.”

Beattie states that MTA doesn’t specifically aim to be the biggest mobile/home-based agency group, but its membership has risen to a robust 450 agents or so. And within the membership base, “the spectrum is massive”. While the group normally only welcomes travel advisors with a minimum of five years of face-to-face consulting experience, he still calls Mobile Travel Agents “a bit of a melting pot”.

“We get people coming from all walks of life. In the sense of travel life. And they have different attributes. And I think the hardest thing when they come into our environment is their choice… they have choice,” he notes.

“We do not dictate what they must sell. The decision is made by the advisor and the customer. Our preferred partners are there because they’re great supporters.

“We don’t force targets… we don’t force product to targets. And for some people who have lived in a very constrained environment, having choice becomes difficult.”

‘Hobbyists’ to heroes

Mobile Travel Agents members at the recent ILTM Asia Pacific 2024 conference. (Image supplied)

Mobile Travel Agents’ current success is a long way from its tough beginnings though.

“So when we first started 24 years ago, we were scorned… ‘hobbyists’, was I think the most common term… ‘part-timers’,” Beattie says.

“So I did a presentation to a large supplier group… and I brought in this slide and the second slide was a woman in a pink dressing gown, hair in curls, cigarette hanging out her mouth, toes parted with cotton – I said this is how you picture us. On the next slide, I told them what the average commission earned was by these people, and all of a sudden, I had 40 people listening to me intently. So the perception did not match the reality.”

Indeed, the industry and consumers are listening now.

For more information on MTA – Mobile Travel Agents, click here.

MTA Advisors shine at ILTM Singapore

Kerryn Taylor — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 23:42:34 +0000

A record group of 34 MTA Travel Advisors along with representatives from MTA’s Product Team, gathered at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. Over 650 brands are represented, meeeting with more than 650 travel advisors over three days. Our advisors are gaining new contacts, discovering up and coming travel destinations and connecting with the who’s who in luxury travel. They’ll use this knowledge to enhance their businesses and provide outstanding service for their clients.

MTA celebrates double triumph at Virtuoso Forum

Kerryn Taylor — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 03:13:00 +0000

MTA-Mobile Travel Agents (MTA) is thrilled to have clinched two coveted awards at the annual Regional Virtuoso Awards held at the Virtuoso Forum in Bangkok earlier this week.

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.”

Rhona Rodgers of MTA clinches Cruise Champion Australia at CLIA Cruise Industry Awards.

Kerryn Taylor — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 01:34:54 +0000

MTA-Mobile Travel Agents’ Rhona Rodgers was crowned Cruise Champion Australia at the 21st Cruise Industry Awards hosted by Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) Australasia held at The Star Sydney over the weekend. The awards brought together the crème de la crème of Australia and New Zealand’s cruise experts, sellers and suppliers.

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.

Behind the scenes with an MTA Advisor – Danielle Lawson

Kerryn Taylor — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 01:36:40 +0000

Danielle Lawson’s passion for travel and dedication to providing unparalleled experiences to clients were the driving forces behind her decision to start her own travel business.

She chose to be a part of MTA because she says it was a natural fit due to its reputation for empowering agents with autonomy while offering a fully-inclusive support system.

The MTA network provided Lawson with the flexibility to tailor her services to individual client needs while benefiting from the credibility and resources associated with the reputable network.

Speaking to TravelTalk, Lawson said the benefits of being an MTA Advisor are multifaceted.

“Our Business Development Managers are a great resource to bounce ideas off or to sense check business ideas.

“Our Support team takes so much of the mid-office admin off my hands while our Assistance team is there to look after my clients for me if I’m away,” Lawson said.

“Our Product team provides insights into exclusive offerings and negotiates favourable rates for us, and Marketing helps me with resources to ensure I stay front of mind for my clients, leaving me to focus on delivering exceptional service to my clients.”

The benefits aren’t limited to the agent. It’s helpful for travellers, too.

“Clients booking through me as an MTA Advisor enjoy personalised attention and access to a vast network of resources.

“They benefit from my first hand travel knowledge and expertise gathered over years in the industry in curating bespoke travel experiences, coupled with the backing of MTA’s support infrastructure,” Lawson said.

“From seamless booking processes to tailored recommendations and ongoing assistance, clients can expect a level of service that exceeds their expectations.”

“I’ve been able to establish trust and credibility within my community, leading to sustained business growth.

“With MTA taking the title of “Most Outstanding Mobile Travel Network” at last year’s 2023 NTIA awards this has also helped my credibility being affiliated to an award winning network’.

Lawson said despite not operating a “traditional brick-and-mortar agency”, she’s able to bring services to her clients, whether that’s through in-person consultations, phone calls, or digital communications.

“By leveraging technology and personalised attention, I ensure that my clients receive a tailored experience from start to finish, creating memories that last a lifetime. Being that it’s my business I have a vested interest in making sure that each and every client has a great experience,” she said.

Lawson said she built up her MTA business with a combination of getting word out through her existing network, word-of-mouth referrals, and strategic marketing.

“By consistently delivering exceptional service and cultivating strong relationships with clients, I’ve been able to establish trust and credibility within my community, leading to sustained business growth.”

Lawson’s career so far has been an adventure.

“I once found myself planning itineraries and booking accommodations while on a Norwegian Fjords cruise. Despite the unconventional setting and remoteness, I was able to access a reliable internet connection and our MTA Virtual Office allows me to work from anywhere so I was able to ensure my clients received uninterrupted service,” she said.

She also recalls one memorable request was from a client who wanted to visit all the filming locations of their favourite soap opera.

“It was a delightful challenge to coordinate their itinerary across multiple cities, ensuring they got the full “soap opera experience” while maintaining a sense of humour throughout the planning process,” she laughed.

Lawson’s advice for anyone interested in becoming an MTA Advisor is simple.

“Immerse yourself in the world of travel, stay updated on industry trends, and never stop learning.”

“Building a successful career as a travel advisor requires passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to create unforgettable experiences for clients. Embrace technology, work on your communication skills, and never underestimate the power of personalised service in an increasingly digital world.”

credit: TraveltalkMag

MTA – Mobile Travel Agents announce keynote speaker for National Conference 2024

Kerryn Taylor — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 02:26:00 +0000

MTA – Mobile Travel Agents is thrilled to announce the keynote speaker for its highly anticipated National Conference 2024, to be held from May 30th to June 2nd, 2024, at the picturesque Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort in Denarau, Fiji.

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.