Back to the travel agent in the US
After several years of upbeat stories on online travel websites, the US consumer press (along with the American public) seem to be taking a fresh look at the country’s travel agents and the value they provide.
A recent article in the New York Times concurs that the level of personal service travel agents offer can’t be matched on line by a ‘disembodied voice in a call centre’.
The article claimed travellers say they don’t have the time or energy to search the Internet for the best deals. And many said they wanted help booking more complicated, more expensive trips, particularly those involving international travel.
Another article in the Chicago Tribune started by stating: “Contrary to what you might have heard, travel agents aren’t obsolete. Although an agent charges a few dollars, professional assistance in travel is often well worth the cost.”
The article argued that the number one reason most consumers use travel agents is to take advantage of their specialized knowledge on destinations; local travel supplier deals; airline cost-cutting tricks; time-saving services; and help when something goes wrong.
The writer of the article advised others to find a good agent: “The same way you find a good accountant, stockbroker or auto mechanic — word of mouth. A travel agent is a professional, just as those others are professionals, and the best way to find one is through other satisfied clients.”
Still another article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, spotlighted a media consultant who travels 200,000 miles a year on business. He thought the most efficient way to book trips was on a computer — until he tried to arrange an unusual honeymoon abroad.
The article pointed out that despite a projected increase in Internet bookings, research indicates that overall online activity in the United States has declined over the past few years.
The online travel publication Selling Down Under, which focusses on Australia as a travel destination says while US consumers are looking again at their travel agents for expertise, the on-line readership of the publication by the US and Canadian industry is constantly increasing.
A recent article in the New York Times concurs that the level of personal service travel agents offer can’t be matched on line by a ‘disembodied voice in a call centre’.
The article claimed travellers say they don’t have the time or energy to search the Internet for the best deals. And many said they wanted help booking more complicated, more expensive trips, particularly those involving international travel.
Another article in the Chicago Tribune started by stating: “Contrary to what you might have heard, travel agents aren’t obsolete. Although an agent charges a few dollars, professional assistance in travel is often well worth the cost.”
The article argued that the number one reason most consumers use travel agents is to take advantage of their specialized knowledge on destinations; local travel supplier deals; airline cost-cutting tricks; time-saving services; and help when something goes wrong.
The writer of the article advised others to find a good agent: “The same way you find a good accountant, stockbroker or auto mechanic — word of mouth. A travel agent is a professional, just as those others are professionals, and the best way to find one is through other satisfied clients.”
Still another article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, spotlighted a media consultant who travels 200,000 miles a year on business. He thought the most efficient way to book trips was on a computer — until he tried to arrange an unusual honeymoon abroad.
The article pointed out that despite a projected increase in Internet bookings, research indicates that overall online activity in the United States has declined over the past few years.
The online travel publication Selling Down Under, which focusses on Australia as a travel destination says while US consumers are looking again at their travel agents for expertise, the on-line readership of the publication by the US and Canadian industry is constantly increasing.
posted by Editor's desk at
03:22
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