inCROWD: Merina Begg @ Argentina Travel Partners
In our latest inCROWD interview, we chat to Argentina Travel Partners (ATP DMC) Managing Director Merina Begg about why she loves showcasing Argentina to the rest of the world, the beauty of Buenos Aires’ hidden neighbourhoods and why true luxury travel is transformational.
Born in Argentina into the travel business, Merina’s father was the owner of a prestigious travel company eventually sold to BCD travel. With over 38 years’ experience in creating unique travel experiences from both the UK and Argentina, she has held various roles at tour operators and founded a travel representation in the UK specialising in Latin America, which continues to thrive 30 years later.
Merina founded ATP DMC more than 15 years ago to offer unique travel experiences for new and returning visitors to Argentina with divisions targeting both the groups (meetings, events, and special interest) and leisure markets.
My favourite #inVOYAGEMoment is… all the moments at inVOYAGE have been incredible. Being part of such an elite group of professionals and being the only Argentine to be given the opportunity to take part in such an incredible event is a great honour and pride. I also love that we can participate in some of the experiences offered in the country where the event takes place.
The thing I most love about working in events is… that I love what I do. It gives me such joy to be able to work in this incredible business where I can showcase my beautiful country to the rest of the world. The feeling of knowing that with my team’s attention to detail and passion, I can make sure that our visitors see the best of Argentina.
What does luxury mean to you?
Travellers today are looking for something different. They crave something meaningful which they can connect with on a personal level and thereby undergo a transformation. Guests are wanting to live the destination.
They are looking for a learning experience, for authenticity. Involvement with the local culture, the unique gastronomy, activities, and experiences which are authentic to the destination. For me this is luxury.
My earliest travel memory is… postcards received from my father on his trips around the world and his slide shows when he got home.
City slicker or beach bum? City slicker, combined with the total opposite: being in the middle of nowhere surrounded by nature.
If I could get on a plane right now, I would fly… anywhere I could meet some of my colleagues and clients face to face. This is a people business, and I miss the personal interactions.
Suitcase essentials
Computer, iPad, and phone. I actually travel with two iPads: a small one to read on the plane, a larger one for presentations.
My favourite secret gem is the… the hidden neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. Walking the city and always discovering new things. Street art, eateries, music. A sensorial experience.
My most memorable event moment was delivering… two back-to-back events for over 400 guests per event at a polo ranch. The event was in preparation for over two years, and we were just praying it did not rain.
We even got the client to take eggs (four dozen per event) to the nuns of a local convent so that they would pray for good weather on the day. This is an Argentine superstition which many brides practice to avoid rain on their wedding day (it did not rain, by the way).
The fulfilment of these events left us drained but exhilarated.
Do you have a mantra you live and work by?
Our mantra and core values summarise how our teams and managers act and feel about Argentina Travel Partners. We work as a family, always seeking to live up to our values and go the extra mile for the benefit of our clients and customers. We care.
When I’m not working, I’m most likely to be… Travelling!!