This trend is set to continue with the rise of artificial intelligence systems, and ongoing development of new technologies.
However, as mentioned in past articles, the human touch in travel and across many other industries will always be sought after, and perhaps even more so in the future.
However, as a travel agent, you need to use all these tools at your disposal, so understanding the nuances of online travel booking is crucial to providing exceptional service to your clients.
Here are the five key factors you need to consider when assisting clients with their online travel bookings:
1. The Importance of Comparison Shopping:
- Multiple Platforms: Encourage your clients to explore various online travel agencies (OTAs), (OTB) platforms and travel search engines to compare prices and options.
- Frequent Checks: Advise your clients to check prices regularly, as fares and rates can fluctuate significantly, in some cases even daily.
- Direct Bookings: Remind clients to consider booking travel directly with airlines, hotels, or car rental companies for potential discounts or special offers. Assist them if they require it through your own travel agency.
- Service Fees: Inform clients about potential service fees charged by OTAs, including booking fees and transaction fees.
- Change and Cancellation Fees: Explain the implications of changing or canceling bookings, including associated fees and penalties.
- Fee Transparency: Encourage clients to carefully review the terms and conditions for any hidden charges.
- Commission Earning: Suggest that clients consider joining affiliate programs, or loyalty programs offered by OTAs to earn commissions on referrals.
- Personal Discounts: Inform clients that some travel affiliate programs often provide discounts for personal bookings. Indicate to them if you are running such an affiliate program that they could join.
- Program Terms: Ensure clients understand the specific terms and conditions of the travel affiliate program, including any eligibility requirements or payout schedules.
- Emerging Technologies: Keep up-to-date with the latest technological advancements in the travel industry, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain.
- New Players: Stay informed about new OTAs and travel search engines entering the market. As a travel advsiors become comfortable, and informed by using them.
- Industry News: Follow travel industry news and trends to provide clients with valuable insights and recommendations. watch for new threads in the technology section of our forum and news articles.
5. Offer Personalized Guidance:
- Tailored Recommendations: Utilize your expertise to provide personalized recommendations based on your clients' preferences, needs, and budget based on your own research using OTB platforms.
- Value-Added Services: Offer additional persoanlized services, such as creating customized itineraries, arranging airport transfers, or securing exclusive deals, to differentiate your services from those that are automated.
- Customer Support: Provide exceptional customer support throughout the booking process and beyond, ensuring your clients feel valued and cared for, and identify where you help them save money.
- Flexibility and Rebooking Policies: Inform clients about the latest travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, and flexible booking policies still in place due to COVID-19 for certian destinations.
- Travel Insurance: Always emphasize the importance of travel insurance to protect clients against unexpected events, including cancellations or disruptions. Recommend reputable travel insurance supplier partners if you have any.
- Destination Safety: Provide information on the current health and safety measures in place at various destinations, and recommend clients do their own online research as well.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Offer clients sustainable travel options, such as eco-friendly accommodations, responsible tourism activities, and carbon offset programs.
- Ethical Considerations: Promote ethical travel practices, including supporting local communities and minimizing your clients' environmental impact. Use the help of your own travel partners like tour operators and DMCs
Remember, while technology has empowered consumers, the expertise, human touch, and personalized service of a knowledgeable travel agent remain invaluable.
