Why I Chose the Merlin Travel Group
When I decided to expand my business into travel agency services, finding the right consortium was critical. I wanted a partner that provides financial protection for my customers as well a support to help my business grow.
After thorough research and consideration, I chose to join the Merlin Travel Group, and here are the reasons why:
Affordable Entry Costs and Reasonable Monthly Fees
Starting a travel agency can be daunting, especially when considering the initial costs. Merlin Travel Group made this process accessible with a low entry cost and affordable monthly fees. This was a significant factor for me, as it allowed me to focus on growing my business without a heavy financial burden. Also important was their generous commission split, allowing their consortium members up to 75% of the commission earned on bookings.
A Relatively Small Consortium with a Family Feel
One of the standout features of Merlin Travel Group is its size. It’s a relatively small consortium, which creates a supportive and personal environment. The family feel means I’m not just another number; I’m part of a close-knit community where help and advice are always available.
Financial Protection for Clients
Client trust is paramount, and Merlin Travel Group offers robust financial protection. They are ATOL protected, and clients’ monies are held in trust by Protected Trust Services (PTS). This system ensures that my clients’ hard-earned cash is secure, providing them with peace of mind while booking their dream holidays.
For more details on what this means for my customers, CLICK HERE
Access to Major Suppliers and Flexibility with My Own
Merlin Travel Group provides access to all major suppliers, including airlines, hotels, car rentals, activities, and cruises. This breadth of choice ensures that I can offer my clients a wide variety of options to suit their needs. Additionally, I have the flexibility to onboard my own suppliers. Having previously run tours in the Middle East, this feature allows me to work with trusted partners I’ve collaborated with for many years, ensuring consistency and quality.
Global Travel Services and Payment Options
I can book and organize travel for clients anywhere in the world. Additionally, I can accept payments in GBP, USD, and EUR. I accept the following credit cards with no extra charge: Visa, Mastercard, and personal American Express (Amex business credit cards incur a small supplement).
Genuine Recommendations Without Incentives
Unlike some organizations, agents within Merlin Travel Group are not financially incentivized to recruit more agents. When we recommend MTG to friends in the business, it’s because we genuinely believe it’s a good fit, not because of monetary gain.
Great Support When You Need It
Being a travel agent is far more complex than simply looking up a couple of hotels and giving a quote. Serious research goes into selecting the best hotels, flights, and activities to meet clients’ exacting needs. Additionally, there is a significant amount of administrative work to ensure compliance with procedures and deliver a seamless experience for clients, and the Merlin team assists their agents whenever required, 7 days a week. I am so very glad I did not “go out on my own” as a totally independent agent.
Merlin Travel Group Holidays
Merlin Travel Group also offer their own package holidays through MTG Holidays, their in-house tour operator. MTG Holidays specializes in customized package holidays, ranging from luxury beach retreats to bespoke multi-destination itineraries. They focus on long-haul packages, fly-cruise & stay holidays, magical adventures, sports and music festivals, cultural escapes, and unique travel experiences. All bookings are financially protected by Protected Trust Services (PTS), and flight-inclusive packages are fully ATOL protected, providing clients with complete peace of mind.
Monetizing My Middle Eastern Expertise
I specifically researched companies that would enable me to enter the travel market with ATOL and financial protection, while also helping me monetize my 15 years of experience travelling and living in the Middle East. Merlin Travel Group stood out as the perfect fit.
In addition to helping clients book and plan trips to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Oman, I still organize and lead small group tours in Oman. These tours provide an immersive experience for clients, showcasing the region’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. My extensive experience in the Middle East allows me to create tailored itineraries that go beyond the typical tourist destinations. If you head over to my blog pages, you’ll see that I have travelled extensively in Oman, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. You’ll also be aware of my passion for more adventurous deep dives into the deserts of these countries.
Expanding to Global Destinations
Beyond the Middle East, I now offer holiday packages to popular destinations worldwide. Asia continues to be hugely popular, and destinations such as Morocco, Egypt, and Southern Africa are frequently in demand.
Thanks to the fantastic Destination Management Companies (DMCs) Merlin Travel Group collaborates with, I can ensure my clients receive exceptional service and unique travel experiences in these regions. The MTG Holidays team also brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, providing valuable assistance when needed to craft the perfect holiday.
The Significance of the Merlin Falcon
The name “Merlin” holds special significance. The Merlin (Falco Columbarius) is a small, fierce falcon known for its swift flight and hunting prowess. Falcons, in general, are deeply embedded in Middle Eastern culture, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the falcon is a national symbol.
Falconry has been practiced for over 4,000 years and remains an important sport and tradition in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. This co-incidental connection resonates with my specialization in these regions, adding a layer of cultural alignment to my partnership with the Merlin Travel Group.
Ready to Explore?
Adventure awaits! Plan your escape with Arabian Cities and Sands and uncover the hidden wonders of the Arabian Peninsula. Whether it’s ancient cities, pristine beaches, or epic desert drives, our carefully curated holidays deliver authentic experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t wait—contact us today and start planning your unforgettable journey!
