Why use a travel agent?

Sammy from Coal Grove recently asked: "You always refer us to use a travel agent. Why?"

Yes I am partial to the travel agency distribution channel and here’s why. I feel that it provides the consumer an unbiased perspective in regards to matching the right product with the consumer's unique needs. A single supplier can never fill that requirement. When you contact a specific airline, tour company or cruise line they will only offer you their product not their competitors.

With the travel agency community selling over 75 percent of all cruise and tour products, the agent fills a needed role for the supplier and traveler, particularly when it comes to complex travel. Most cruise and tour suppliers recognize this and actively support the agency channel.

Sure a percentage of you will always go direct but the savings of cost and time still favor the agency distribution system. I’ll admit that the travel agent will not always beat that bargain you discovered on line but I’ll still side with the agent. There’s a good chance that you’re not comparing apples to apples or giving your agent all the information. If you are a frequent guest of a specific hotel chain let you agent know. This way he/she will access to those special rates that you qualify for.

Again it this collaborative effort between all parties involved planning then providing your vacation and/or business travel needs. If you agree or disagree with me I’d love to hear your comments. You can contact me at thetravelprofessor@gmail.com or 740.550.9540.