Q: Latasha, for those who may not know Martin Randall Travel (MRT), could you give us a brief history of the company?
A: Martin Randall Travel was founded in the UK in 1988 and for more than 35 years we’ve been designing cultural journeys led by experts.
We’re now recognised as the world’s leading specialist in small-group, expert-led tours, covering art, architecture, history, music, archaeology, gastronomy, gardens and more
Q: How long has MRT been operating in Australia??
A: We’ve had an office in Brisbane for more than 20 years which has given us valuable insight into the market and a loyal base of Australian travellers.
Q: What’s driving the company’s new investment in Australia?
A: We know Australian travellers are among the most culturally curious in the world. – they’re willing to travel long distances for meaningful, enriching experiences.
That mindset fits perfectly with MRT. And we know travel advisors, with their deep client relationships, are the ones best placed to connect those travellers with something as distinctive as our tours.
Our goal is to make it easy for agents to offer a product that feels truly special to their most discerning clients.
Q: Why partner with Ascend Travel Group?
A: From an advisor’s perspective, Ascend provides a local point of contact, fast access to information and the support to make selling MRT straightforward.
For us, Ascend’s reputation and market knowledge make them the ideal partner to represent MRT in Australia.
Q: What sets MRT apart from other tour operators?
A: Our focus is cultural depth. Every tour is small-group and expert-led, with itineraries built to provide genuine insight rather than just sightseeing.
We want our travellers to come away feeling they’ve learned, discovered and truly experienced something. Whether it’s walking the battlefields of Europe, exploring private palaces in Venice, or joining a music festival in Leipzig, the common thread is depth and expertise.
Q: Tell us about your lecturers and tour leaders.
A: They’re leading academics, musicians, authors, and specialists in their fields. They don’t just guide, they interpret – giving context, stories and knowledge that turn a trip into a genuine journey of discovery.
They accompany guests throughout their tour, though they are not there to impose themselves.
Q: Privileged access is something MRT often highlights. What does that mean in practice?
A: It means opening doors that others can’t. We arrange after-hours entry to world-class museums, private concerts in historic venues, behind-the-scenes access at festivals and opera houses.
These moments create memories that simply can’t be replicated independently.
Q: How big are your groups?
A: Typically 10 to 22 participants. That scale allows for intimacy, access to places larger groups can’t reach, and a real sense of shared experience.
Q: What’s included in your tours?
A: Almost everything is covered – accommodation, most meals, entrances, gratuities and transport. It’s designed so guests can focus entirely on the experience.
Q: MRT is also known for its Festivals. What are these?
A: They’re multi-day events built around a cultural theme, often in extraordinary settings. We bring together world-class performers, lecturers and like-minded audiences for an immersive mix of performances, talks and excursions.
Q: Can you give some examples?
A: The Bach Journey in Leipzig, the Venice Music Festival and the Oxford Lieder Festival are good examples. Each blends superb performances with expert interpretation and visits, creating something truly unique.
Q: What is unique about Martin Randall Festivals?
A: They bring together everything we stand for – depth, expertise and privileged access. Guests enjoy performances in remarkable venues, often with exclusive entry or reserved seating, and they gain richer understanding through expert talks and context.
Q: Who are Martin Randall Travel clients?
A: Those who value depth and enrichment. The kind of travellers who want more than sightseeing – they want experiences not easily found elsewhere. If you sell expedition cruising, expect strong crossover.
Expedition travellers also choose Martin Randall Travel. It’s the same appetite for learning, ours just skews to art, architecture, history, gastronomy…and often with far better weather.
Q: How do MRT tours complement a travel agent’s portfolio?
A:. MRT gives advisors a differentiated, premium product that broadens their offering beyond conventional luxury or group tours. It helps advisors stand out by delivering expert-led, small-group experiences with privileged access.
Beyond enriching the client experience, MRT delivers strong business value through high repeat booking rates, healthy margins and exceptional client satisfaction, all of which build loyalty and encourage referrals.
Q: What’s your message to travel advisors considering MRT?
A: If you’re working with clients who are hungry for cultural depth, MRT gives you something truly distinctive to offer, with the support and resources to make selling it straightforward.
Q: What are the most popular tours for Australians at the moment?
A: We’re seeing strong interest from Australians in our European cultural tours, particularly Italy, with its rich mix of art, architecture and gastronomy. Music-focused tours, such as opera in Vienna or festivals in Germany, are also popular.
Many Australians also gravitate to longer journeys that make the most of the distance travelled, combining several regions or themes in one trip.
Q: Finally, why is the Australian market so important to Martin Randall Travel?
A: We believe the product we offer is incredibly unique and so well suited to the Australian market.
Having operated in Australia for more than 20 years, we know this is a market that embraces our unique style of travel. Partnering with agents allows us to work together to meet the growing demand and create rewarding experiences for their clients.
Travel agents can contact Ascend Travel Group sales@ascendtravelgroup.com.au for training and marketing support, or Martin Randall Travel tradesupport@martinrandall.com for bookings and further product information.
Check out the upcoming webinar series taking place throughout October here: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/g8VebDKlTGOpm4Yi?ref=Link
https://www.martinrandall.com/about/agent
