What Travel Agents Provide that "Big" Travel Sites Do Not!

In the midst of the seemingly endless frenzy of online travel bookings, consumers are noticing that there is a laundry list of important services that only you, a personal travel agent, can provide.In a recent article in the Indianapolis Star, two travelers, Paul and Terri Sammann were stranded in London's Heathrow Airport and found salvation in their travel agent. After they realized British Airways' food handlers had gone on strike and their flight would be cancelled, they gave her a call.

"She got us a room in a hotel near the airport before they were all sold out, and made reservations for the last seats on an American Airlines flight (flying) out the next afternoon. The line of people waiting for help at the airline counter was two blocks long," said the Sammanns. "Thank God we had a travel agent."Stories like these are reassuring for the success of today's travel agents.

The Internet can be a great travel resource for today's traveler, however, the expertise, value, and personal touch that travel agents provide are beyond measurable.Travel agents provide details unrivaled by Internet resources. By speaking directly with a potential client you can paint them a picture of the destination and give them the perspective needed to make a decision. The wealth of assistance with last minute and emergency support, such as in the Sammann's case, is also invaluable to inexperienced travelers. The three keys to success for keeping customers booking offline with a travel agent rather than online are focusing on community groups, maintaining personal relationships with clients, and selling to niche markets.

The moral of the story is that customers still find value in travel agents today. This is undeniable when looking at ASTA's numbers saying that travel agents sell 87 percent of cruises, 81 percent of tours and travel packages, 51 percent of airline tickets, 47 percent of hotel bookings, and 45 percent of car rentals.