Return of the Travel Agent

Despite technology disrupting travel itineraries, schedules, the side-lined, dusted travel agent is back in the spotlight.

After what has been a devastating year for the travel industry, there seem to be signs of rebirth and real deal implications becoming a reality. Thanks to vaccination drives and green lights emerging for those who had their vaccination shots, this news couldn't have sounded sweeter for the travel industry.

Navigating Overwhelming Travel Information

Several travel agents are seeing an increase in requests for new ways to navigate the new normal of travel. So, while travel may be on its way back, people are definitely looking to have a stress-free travel planning experience that can only be provided with human interaction and not a bot.

Knowing about your destination or getting the correct travel information is a good thing. But when there is a lot of information out there, it can be tricky to know for sure, especially with constantly evolving updates. 

Here's where the professional travel agent comes in. 

A Full-Time, Hands-On Task

An average traveler may not want to deal with understanding or vetting safety procedures or travel protocols. Sifting through updates and providing the right advice about the varying requirements of different destinations, needs an expert. And with new travel rules every other day, planning a trip is now an exhausting and overwhelming exercise. 

And so, in all this, the travel agent can become the de facto planner. And for a good reason.

Back In The Limelight

Prior to the pandemic, despite the rise of direct booking sites, travel agents were still relevant. Several agents moved online after disbanding their brick-and-mortar locations, appealing to travelers too busy to arrange trips for themselves. 

But the pandemic highlighted their importance and relevance in finding out what is taking place at a given destination. For instance, travelers were dismayed that they no longer had an advocate to speak to the airline or get their cancelled tickets reimbursed. 

Even travelers who would have previously planned their own trips are now looking for a professional travel agent to help them with the ins and outs.

The Transition to a Counsellor

The past year has shed light on the continued significance of a travel agent's services. The difficulty of the past year has forced travelers to focus on the value of professional advice, trust, and credibility. 

At the end of the day, the travel agent is keen to help plan a perfect vacation and make it all about the customer allowing for a phenomenal travel experience. 

Just as travel roles have evolved, a transition from an agent to a counsellor has emerged. 

Take, for instance, access to pricing. Securing the best prices is something that is simply not available - even online. By building relationships with wholesalers and providers, including airlines, travel agents procure the best value for their customer’s money. And by that, it doesn't always mean the lowest price. 

By understanding their customer’s interests, travel preferences and personality, travel agents offer top recommendations and advice on adapting to the new normal of holidaying.

A New Way Ahead

Travel, today has become more complex than it was in the pre-pandemic era. It is complicated and time-consuming to track and comply with different regulations in different countries, and it could potentially be unpleasant if things are not done correctly. 

Having professional guidance in the form of a travel agent will be the key to enjoying a smooth vacation.