1) For up-to-date knowledge
With so much uncertainty and constant changes taking place that impact tourism, international travel counsellor Colleen Hodgson believes more people will and should turn to travel advisors when booking holidays as destinations reopen.
“It’s a huge opportunity for travel agents to show exactly what we’re here for, which is helping smooth over bumps and manage the surprises that pop up,” says Hodgson, a cruise and group specialist with AMA Travel Services, Edmonton West. “And this being one of the bumpiest and most surprising events that’s happened in the travel industry, consumers are sure to see the value in using a travel agent more than ever before.”
Similarly, Fiona Barclay, Director, Supplier Management, North America Leisure at CWT Vacations, feels that it will be vital for travellers to book through travel advisors.
“Only a travel agent, with their up-to-the-minute knowledge of the global travel situation, the protection they can provide and the agent’s skill, connections and influence, gives them the power and ability to get a passenger home, come what may,” she says.