Advantage Travel CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said said a recent Which? report that advised independent holidaymakers to book direct failed to recognise the added value travel agents provide.
The report said that, in the majority of cases, booking direct with hotels and airlines was cheaper than booking with an online travel agent or price comparison site.
But Julie said consumers should look beyond the basic price to see the value of booking with a travel agent
“Travel agents have an incredible amount of knowledge and experience and are best placed to help research the ideal destination for every budget, whilst ensuring you get the best value for your money,” she said.
“Agents also have the most up to date advice, pricing and information for travel and, when it comes to comparing flights and accommodation, they will always take into account the small print and the often hidden extra fees on behalf of the traveller.”
Julia also pointed out that agents are there to help customers in the event of travel disruption, such as strikes and bad weather. “In these situations, travellers will have an expert on hand whose job it is to fight their corner and get them the best outcome,” she said.
“They also ensure that travellers have the peace of mind of knowing that their holiday bookings are financially protected avoiding any scams.”
Julia said many people are unclear about the financial protection they have (or don’t) when things go wrong. “There really is no substitute for agents who act as advisors, who know their clients and can provide expert consultation, good value, support, advice and peace of mind,” she added.
The post Advantage boss says ‘there’s no substitute for agents’ after independent travellers advised to book direct appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
The report said that, in the majority of cases, booking direct with hotels and airlines was cheaper than booking with an online travel agent or price comparison site.
But Julie said consumers should look beyond the basic price to see the value of booking with a travel agent
“Travel agents have an incredible amount of knowledge and experience and are best placed to help research the ideal destination for every budget, whilst ensuring you get the best value for your money,” she said.
“Agents also have the most up to date advice, pricing and information for travel and, when it comes to comparing flights and accommodation, they will always take into account the small print and the often hidden extra fees on behalf of the traveller.”
Julia also pointed out that agents are there to help customers in the event of travel disruption, such as strikes and bad weather. “In these situations, travellers will have an expert on hand whose job it is to fight their corner and get them the best outcome,” she said.
“They also ensure that travellers have the peace of mind of knowing that their holiday bookings are financially protected avoiding any scams.”
Julia said many people are unclear about the financial protection they have (or don’t) when things go wrong. “There really is no substitute for agents who act as advisors, who know their clients and can provide expert consultation, good value, support, advice and peace of mind,” she added.
The post Advantage boss says ‘there’s no substitute for agents’ after independent travellers advised to book direct appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
