Is the term “travel agent” dead? The question raised a lively discussion at the Global Summit of Travel Agencies which attracted 200 delegates from all over the world to Granada.
In the United States and Canada, the term “trave advisor” has come into widespread use. Wendy Paradis from Canada, WTAAA Vice Chair said “everyone can call themselves whatever they want: travel guru, travel counsellor. But the official term in America is travel advisor.”
“About six or seven years ago, an investigation was conducted in the United States on the terminology used in the industry, and it was determined that, based on the customer’s feedback, the market behaviour has changed.
We used to sell plane tickets and accommodation. Now, we also persuade, advise, and listen. The relationship is not as transactional. That’s why we can say that we are now travel advisors. However, to do so, we need knowledge of customer service, the market, and the subsectors,” state representatives from travel agency associations.
“We charge professional commissions for this, and in the United States and Canada, we use the term ‘travel advisor’ precisely for that reason. However,
The process of travelling is complex, and that is the strong point of travel agencies: problem-solving.
“The travel agency sector will have ups and downs, but overall, the future is promising. Difficult but prosperous. If we want to work in America, the demand is there. Agents are overwhelmed. There are no available hotels for the summer. So, we are optimistic. Many travellers are looking for independent advice, and that is a niche market that we need to consider.”
The summit was attended on behalf of the Irish travel Agents Association by CEO Clare Dunne and President Angela Walsh.
