In honour of National Travel Agent Day today, Advantage Travel Partnerships chief commercial officer, Kelly Cookes, celebrates travel agents and their hard work over these last few years.
The last two years have been the toughest that our industry has ever seen. A time when we have had to battle to keep our businesses afloat, and at the same time navigate the unchartered waters that the pandemic has brought about. But, while the challenges continue, we also have a lot to be optimistic about. Travel and holidays remain at the top of the priority list for many millions of Brits and there continues to be strong pent-up demand, and even the cost-ofliving crisis does not seem to be impacting the appetite to travel at the moment. And while the on-going disruption is providing us with more challenges, they just serve to highlight why booking with a professional is something that all consumers should consider.
Travel agents have played a key role on the UK?s high streets and in local communities for many years, and while their skills have diversified, adapted and always remained constant, is the expertise and service that booking with a professional provides. Not only are travel agents experts in the broad-ranging world of travel there is also nothing that they won?t explore for their clients. They are also best placed to navigate the complex bookingprocess, as well as find the best deal. And that?s why they are attracting more new customers than ever before.
So today, let?s shout about all that being an agent means. Let?s celebrate our teams, our partnerships, and our determination. Let?s also shout to our customers both current and potential about what we offer and why the concierge service that an agent provides is something that all customers should value.
After all, we can all use scissors but that doesn?t mean we should cut our own hair, so why would we risk one of the most expensive and sentimental purchases that we make by not engaging with a professional?
Let?s bust those myths ? that travel agents are a thing of the past, that travel agents are more expensive, that travel agents are just for the older generation - and continue to look after customers in the way that only a passionate travel professional can.
My best wishes go to all the 2,700 travel agents and over 11,000 homeworkers across the UK & Ireland today and I encourage them all to celebrate what being an agent means: survival, resilience, and professionalism.
