About Michael
My Mission is
"to provide excellence in customer service with tailored travel solutions for you"
There's so much to know about me – but at the end of the day it's actually about you and what you want! I am an experienced traveller, life lover, adventure seeker and I have travelled to most parts of the globe - I want to be your travel dream weaver!
Back in 1993 I chose to lean out of my comfort zone to a new career in the travel industry and I've never looked back. My experiences have run the whole gambit from running, owning and working in travel agencies, to freelancing, lecturing in an academic environment and working with specialty travel agents in a wholesale environment – being the agent of choice to travel agents!
With a charismatic demeanor, people tend to warm to me quickly and given the opportunity, I know you will too! I will take the time to get to know you, understand your needs and work with you every step of the way in building your personalised itinerary. I am also a guru when it comes to air fares and constructing complex itineraries! Using my extensive knowledge, years of training, my vast travel experience, access to buying power and competitive pricing via MTA Travel, I will provide you with a level of service you'll want to tell your friends and family about.
In my free time, I spend time with the love of my life, Kelpie cross Labrador "Mollie", lead an active social life, enjoy walking, gardening and offer my services and time to several charities.
I'm here to help you and look forward to meeting you, I am flexible in my approach to business, and I'm mobile! I think I've said more than enough for now – I would love to hear about you and what travel adventures you are seeking so call me on 0410 831 623 or send me an email to mpound@mtatravel.com.au.
Previous experience
Previous Employment History
• 2017 – 2019 "Unique Destination Travel Pty Ltd" trading as "Dialysis Abroad"
Business Development Manager & Travel Specialist
• 2015 – 2017 "CANDUSA Travel Directions"
Self Employed Contractor. Included work at "Travel Prospects", "Unique Destination Travel", "Dialysis Abroad", "The Don’t Forget Travel Group", "Prestige Travel" and "Champion Travel"
• 2001 – 2014 "Travel Horizons Pty Ltd" trading as "Jetset Norwood" & "Destination Canada"
Owner, Director, Manager & Travel Specialist
• 1997 – 2004 "Adelaide Hospitality & Tourism College”
Evening Travel Lecturer – Certificate III in Tourism – International Retail Sales
• 1995 – 2001 "Satisfac Travel"
Travel Supervisor & Senior Travel Consultant
• 1993 – 1995 "Travel International" trading as "Elizabeth Travel"
Travel Manager & Travel Consultant
Qualifications include:
• Advanced Diploma in Tourism - Tourism & Travel Services Marketing Operations
• Diploma in Business Management
• Certificate IV in New Small Business
• Certificate IV in Workplace Training & Assessment
• Certificate III in Tourism - International Retail Sales
• Successful completion of multiple Travel Industry supplier, destination and product training certificates including the "Canada Specialist Program" and "CLIA" training.
Awards & Accolades:
I am a multi award winning Travel Specialist and Travel Manager with my most notable accolades including:
• 2010 National Winner - Best Retail Travel Agency (Single Location) at the AFTA Travel Awards
• 2006 - National Winner - National Prime Minister's Small Business Award in Training
• 2001 to 2014 - South Australian Winners - Best "Jetset" Office of the Year Award on multiple occasions
• 2001 to 2014 - Adelaide Eastern Suburbs - "Eastern Courier" Small Business of the Year Award on multiple occasions
• 1995 to 2019 - Recipient of multiple awards as recognition of my commitment to customer service, proven sales and marketing initiatives
Areas of specialty
I thoroughly enjoy and have the necessary skills associated with creating complex itineraries, but a destination passion of mine is Canada! I first discovered this paradise in the 90’s and since then I keep returning and exploring the land of the "Great White North" on countless adventures!
I've kayaked and snorkelled with beluga whales, come face to face with a black bear, been bluffed by a grizzly, sat on a wild bull, sailed alongside dolphins and orcas and watched moose graze under the midnight sun! My experiences following the Polar Bears roam across the icy tundra of Churchill, Manitoba will remain with me for the rest of my life! I have ridden on a Harley Davidson through the Rocky Mountains, cruised through The Inside Passage and Alaska, travelled on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer and stayed in accommodation from resorts to historic wooden lodges and the iconic Fairmont properties which scatter the country! I could go on forever about my love for this country!
No matter where you want to travel, the chances are that I may have been there or if not will be able to draw on the experiences and feedback of my repeat client base or travel industry colleagues. Without listing every destination, I can assure you that my travel experiences in Europe, the United Kingdom, North America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia, the Pacific, Africa and of course our beloved Australia, place me in good stead to offer you sound advice. I love offering up some of the "hidden secrets" and "unique experiences" that would suit my client’s tastes.
