Wife and husband team Mandy and Mike Dwyer are the owner-operators of Queensland’s Main Beach Travel. Mandy talks to Karryon about their award-winning business.
The Dwyers established Main Beach Travel 24 years ago. Not only do they offer clients an incredible breadth of experience in all areas of luxury travel, they have some of the best advisors in the business on their team.
Main Beach Travel has been recognised as Australia’s Best Travel Agent for the last two years of the National Travel Industry Awards, the company has been a Virtuoso member for more than 15 years and Mandy recently won Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ exquisite $14,000 Fabergé pendant for achieving the highest number of bookings in Regent’s Upgrade Your Horizon campaign.
Mandy also attained 2024 Virtuoso Cruise Icon status last month. The Virtuoso Cruise Icon Program recognises advisors who represent the top 1 per cent of cruise sellers within the Network worldwide. This program is open to advisors who exceed the sales benchmark threshold defined for their region, which is $1 million in Australia and New Zealand.
Much as they appreciate the accolades, Mandy and Mike’s focus is firmly on the relationships they have with all stakeholders. They are proud to say that it’s not about selling, it’s about “establishing human connections, understanding desires, and fulfilling needs”.
Congratulations on your new Cruise Icon status and winning the Fabergé pendant – what does that award mean to you and your team?
It was a wonderful recognition, not only for my hard work and dedication to supporting such an esteemed brand as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, but also for the whole team who believe in the product and feel confident recommending them.
How many staff are in the Main Beach Travel team?
Our team sits around 30, which is made up of leisure, corporate and groups advisors, plus several independent contractors, scattered around the East coast.
I believe some of the team have been with you for more than 20 years, what would you attribute that to?
I truly believe it is the family-like culture of our business. We have an extraordinary and experienced team where our core guiding principles of “integrity, honesty and transparency” is evident in all our dealings, be it with our staff, suppliers or clients. It is like one big happy family!
How do you and Mike balance working and living together and family life?
Good question! I head up the leisure business, whereas Mike does the strategising, marketing and work with independent contractors. We work closely but very separately too, and we also have a sensational Ops Manager who oversees everything including groups and corporate.
Do you and Mike usually travel together, for work and/or leisure?
We do try and travel together for work and a lot of our leisure travel too! We are also fortunate to have a wonderful group of long-time friends whom we travel with often and then most years I will do a couple of trips with ladies only and Mike with the boys, which is always appreciated.
What are the biggest changes you have seen in the cruise industry, particularly in the luxury and soft adventure space, in the 24 years you have been operating Main Beach Travel?
I think everyone has seen the spend increase, whether it is luxury or expedition over the years!
The evolution of cruising has been remarkable, especially in recent years, marked by the introduction of a plethora of high-end offerings. This shift has reshaped perceptions, with travellers recognising that modern cruising offers a vastly different experience from what it once did. The allure lies in the convenience of unpacking once and exploring multiple destinations in a single journey.
I think there has also been a notable shift in the preferences of mainstream/premium cruisers, who are now more receptive to advisor recommendations of luxury cruises when the exceptional value is broken down for them.
Lastly, the rise in the quality (luxury) of expedition cruising has broadened its appeal to a much wider market and so is now a viable option for those seeking new destinations and experiences.
How would you define luxury cruising?
I believe luxury cruising is a combination of all the above – high-level service, wining and dining but also experience and value. But it’s much more than that – it all about the intangible treasures, like effortlessness, where everything is considered; space; privacy; time; and choice – and luxury cruising ticks all these boxes too.
What keeps your clients coming back?
My team and I offer an all-inclusive service, from the smallest booking to that private dining or exclusive entry after hours into some amazing attractions. It’s all about personalisation and tailoring a trip to the highest degree. Nothing is too much trouble, and we follow that through right up until the time of travel, while they are away and on their return.
What are your personal top three luxury cruise experiences and/or destinations?
I have been incredibly fortunate to have had so many amazing experiences. My top destination and cruise was Antarctica – this place changes your perspective on the world – followed closely by the Kimberley.
The Kimberley is such a hidden gem, although it’s now becoming more popular – and then of course, the wonders of the Mediterranean. You can never get tired of the Med.
Where are you cruising to next?
Mike and I are heading to West Greenland for an expedition cruise and hoping to join Seven Seas Explorer later in the year in Australia. Can’t wait.
