Why mobile working could be the future for cruise specialists
MTA, the largest luxury mobile travel network in Australia with over 470 advisors located Australia-wide, offers travel experts autonomy combined with comprehensive support. Two members tell us just why it works so well.
The travel industry has changed forever. And with it, so have the lives of industry professionals. With flexible working and a positive work-life balance more important than ever, a mobile working lifestyle is becoming increasingly appealing. And why not?
Working in the industry you love, on your terms, with all-inclusive support, minus the headaches that often come with storefront – it’s win-win!
100 per cent Australian-owned, MTA was founded with a vision to deliver travel experts exactly this balance. MTA advisor numbers grew by over 10 per cent during the COVID period a fact that did not surprise CEO Don Beattie “We invested heavily in keeping up our unrivalled support offering during COVID and this was attractive to advisors looking for their new home after many were displaced.”
As the largest luxury mobile travel network in Australia, their commitment to the best experience for their advisors, staff and clients is felt across the board. MTA is a member of the by-invitation-only Virtuoso – aka the world’s largest luxury travel network – which means MTA clients are privy to added bonuses and exclusive travel experiences unmatched anywhere else.
And in honour of CLIA Cruise Month, it seems appropriate to call out that MTA are figurative captains of the cruise world with industry knowledge that is second to none. In fact, their in-house cruise manager has been resident for over 12 years.
We asked two CLIA Masters accredited sisters, Leanne Kuntze and Michelle Feilberg, who joined MTA earlier this year to share with us their experiences.
Why did you choose to move to MTA – Mobile Travel Agents?
LK: I chose to move to MTA because I wanted to become a Virtuoso travel advisor and to be able to upgrade my clients’ holiday experiences to a VIP level.
MF: I’ve been in the travel industry since my early career, and more recently had focused solely on cruising. After the great COVID pause, I was looking to reinvigorate my business as well as my clients’ excitement and readiness to travel.
There were many factors that stood out when deciding which business model to move into. MTA Travel has a wonderful reputation as a group of professionals with great expertise. The marketing, support and MTA’s Virtuoso membership all held great appeal for me.
What is your favourite part of working at MTA?
LK: For me personally, I love the social side – from MTA’s smaller “Coffee Cluster” gatherings through to large nationwide conferences which are resuming soon.
What do you believe sets MTA apart from its competitors?
LK: I have found that from the MTA team at our head office through to the network of MTA agents at home, that they are a true travel family who are invested in helping and supporting each other.
MF: MTA offers experience, professionalism, reliability. They have been incredible at servicing their clients through the difficulties of the last two years. They offer a network of dedicated travel professionals who support each other beautifully.
Our marketing and memberships are truly amazing, creating incredible opportunities for next level service from me, and for my clients. The systems they have in place allow me to “VIP” my clients which is very important in this current “experience economy” we’ve now entered.
What excites you most about the future of the cruise industry?
LK: Despite what we have just been through, the cruise industry continues to grow! As consumers seek deeper experiences and a connection with destinations, the trend toward new expedition vessels allows us to adventure in complete luxury on smaller ships to see the world’s most unspoilt and remote destinations.
Cruising now provides for their guests a home away from home where we unpack once and then are taken from one magical destination to the next with every need taken care of, combined with incredible new technologies, making the experience ever more seamless – as well as greener.
MF: I love that our cruise pause has encouraged clients to spread their wings, spend the money they’ve saved over the last two years and truly experience their bucket list, whether that be overseas cruising, upgrading their flights to Premium Economy or even Business Class, or visiting the destinations they’ve only dreamed of. The new ship builds and the new class of ships absolutely floats my boat.
I am also very excited about the ships scheduled to visit Australia over the next few years. We’re truly about to reach a new chapter here in Australian cruising, with the likes of Celebrity Edge and Virgin Voyage’s Resilient Lady.
So if you are an experienced travel advisor, manager or retail owner who is feeling the call of the mobile lifestyle then it might be time to think about joining MTA today, to take your travel business venture to the next level.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
mobile agents mobile travel agent mta - mobile travel agent MTA Travel travel agent travel industry virtuoso Virtuoso TravelLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!