We have all seen the headlines and read about the demise of the travel agent. Even President Obama proclaimed us “extinct.” Online booking agencies like Travelocity and Expedia, booking online directly with suppliers and now Google entering the market, all appear to have replaced the need for the travel advisor. But was this death notice posted prematurely? Or has the introduction of the OTAs (online travel agencies) actually elevated the profession of Travel Advisor?
The birth of the internet caused upheavals in many professions, but none so drastically as the world of travel. No longer did a travel advisor’s knowledge of online booking systems offer job security. Information and pretty pictures were suddenly available to everyone, and booking a hotel seemed as easy as 2 or 3 clicks. How would travel advisors adapt to this new landscape? As with all change, some have, and others have not. The transactional agent of yesteryear is gone – but the travel specialist is alive and well!
For many people, the decision to spend their valuable leisure time and money traveling is one of the most costly investments made each year. Did you know that the amount of time spent researching travel online is second only to those “researching” X-rated sites? The demand is there (for the former), and the need for expert guidance to vet thousands of options grows daily. There are features on the news quite often showing people who are hired by hotels to write “fake” reviews on Trip Advisor. Manipulation, or should I say marketing is alive and well for booking online travel. So how do you know what to believe? Have you ever checked-in only to realize that you booked something that didn’t look anything like the pictures or wonder how you will traverse that dicey part of town in a city you have never visited? Those in-the-know have found travel advisors can be as valuable as their financial advisor. Not only do they save them valuable time, but the wealth of knowledge and years of experience ensures that their investment is flush with added value and experiences curated especially for them.
And what happens if something goes wrong on your trip! Do you think Expedia is going to answer the phone and help you out?
So who are these leaders in the brand new world of travel, and how do you find one? While we do cover the spectrum in age, education, and experience, we all share a passion for exploration and adventure. The best advisors in the field spend weeks or months traveling each year to stay up-to-date and most importantly are REAL specialists. Professional Travel Advisors need to stay current on world news and geopolitical climates, learn about travel trends, attend educational trainings all the time, meet with travel partners from all over the world representing destinations, hotels, cruises, tour operators and on sites, and work hard to build relationships with these partners.
Travel Advisors are all about relationships–with our clients and our travel partners.
The amazing Travel Advisors that I have met in my years in travel, and especially through the Virtuoso* network of partners, are very busy traveling the world, setting up business and marketing systems, serving their clients 24/7 and elevating the profession.
I also belong to a host agency, the Gifted Travel Network, made up of a group of dedicated and experienced advisors who collaborate, share best practices and phenomenal partner relationships, and problem solve. If you are smart, you will use that type of professional to help you with your next trip. Ask me. Ask around. Has a friend recently returned from an amazing trip that could maybe refer their advisor to you?
Change is good, while the OTAs have definitely impacted business for the transactional agent, the professional Travel Advisor has come on the scene. No, we are not dead; we are just beginning. And by the way, it’s the best job in the world!
* Virtuoso is the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel, with more than 20,000 advisors. We partner with over 1,800 of the world’s best companies, such as hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and more. Our advisors use their personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke trips for clients, including unique experiences, special values, complimentary perks, VIP treatment and rare access.
