Do Travel Agents Really Make A Difference??

A recent article in the Travel Market Report by Marilee Crocker caught my eye the other day.  She noted that economists at the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics who study labor productivity noted a significant and steady increase in the productivity of the travel agency industry between 1997 and 2011.

How in the world can that be?  Being rocked by outside forces out of their control like the recessed economy, the emergence of on-line booking engines, the changes in competition, the elimination of airline commissions, among other things, all pointed to the travel agencies as an endangered species in the business world.  But according to their statistics and research, some of them have survived.

Some say those that have survived have had to resort to a reduced number of agents working, but that is possible because they have been aided by technology.  Another possible reason is that their workload has lightened somewhat because clients come in pre-armed with travel information gained on the Internet about what they want, labor that in the past was part of the agent’s responsibility.

In my estimation, another reason they have survived is that they offer superior customer service. . . they actually care about their clients whether they are planning the trip of a lifetime or a benevolent airfare for a grieving family.

Professional and experienced travel agents actively seek ways to take the hassle out of travel as much as possible and within their power.  For example, they disclose upfront the fees that are associated with airline travel, whether the client purchases the ticket from them or not.  They are there to answer your questions, to help save you money, to offer suggestions and ensure your comfort throughout your journey.  The American Society of Travel Agents say that the bottom line is that travel agents have a vital interest in providing you with an unforgettable travel experience.  ASTA’s famous motto is “Without a travel agent, you are on your own”.

ASTA has provided some solid recommendations from some famous personalities such as CBS This Morning host, Gayle King, who states that she swears by travel agents.  Christopher Elliott, the consumer advocate and travel journalist says that his number one travel recommendation is “work with a travel agent you trust”.  Even former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton said “I have a deep appreciation for the magic travel agents work every single day.  Travel agents help Americans follow their dreams”.

She almost got The Travel Factory’s mantra, “We’re working for YOU to manufacture the vacation of your dreams”.  You can reach us at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040, or go to our interesting website:  www.thetravelfactoryabilene.com.