Travel Agents Are Vital!!!

It is always nice to get affirmation, no matter what you are doing.  Coaches and ballplayers appreciate the pats on the back, the preacher feels better when a parishioner enjoys his sermon, the teacher gets pumped up when a parent exclaims how much they appreciate the way their child is being taught this year.

Back in the 80’s and 90’s, the airlines were really grateful for the travel agent, and tangibly showed their appreciation with commissions and reduced air travel.  Now, seldom do we ever hear, even a simple “Thank You” from any airline for promoting and selling their product to their/our clients.

The cruise lines thankfully, so far, are different.  Cruise lines still need travel agents.  Proof is that the Royal Caribbean president, Adam Goldstein remarked to some Wall Street analyst the other day that “travel agents are playing a vital role in our success, in our growth and in our ability to reach consumers around the world”.

Mr. Goldstein emphasized that the internet isn’t a preferred cruise booking tool for many customers, but it has changed the way many consumers shop for a cruise.  They are much more knowledgeable about what they want when they visit with an agent.  I would agree with that assessment, as well as the fact that the cruise lines still compensate the travel agents for selling and promoting their product.

Which begs the question?  Why don’t more consumers use the services and experience of a travel agent?  Since most tour operators and cruise lines pay the agent a commission, why send all that payment to New York or Florida or Singapore or Canada rather than allowing some of it to stay right here in Abilene, Texas.  Plus, you have an advocate to advise and assist in the planning who has either “been there” or has planned a trip for someone else and has had recent feedback on the destination.

Most folks have a doctor, lawyer, accountant, insurance agent, financial advisor.  They don’t “do it yourself” instead of utilizing the services of these professionals. The travel agent falls into this same professional category and just like the insurance agent or financial advisor, we receive compensation for our services from the vendor.

Rest assured, when you allow the experienced travel agents at The Travel Factory to get involved with your travel plans, you will have a true professional anxious to help you manufacture the vacation of your dreams.  And the good thing about that is that the agency has a long history in Abilene, and the combined years of service for the 4 agents currently employed total more than 100 years.  Come on in; we’re anxious for your pat on the back!!  We are located at 4150 Southwest Dr., Ste. 120 or call at 325-698-1421 or 800-760-4040.