Well written, Brian. You know your stuff.
"Brian K" wrote in message
news:dxqyh.20122$yx6.5344@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> On 2/7/2007 9:30 AM cjuykmrkgdkx@yahoo.com wrote:
>> Travel Agents are treated differently than the rest of us. And the
>> reason is simple: The travel industry is a 4 trillion dollar a year
>> business!
>> With that kind of money being spent on travel, you can just imagine
>> the competition. The travel industry will spend millions on
>> advertising and they'll do what ever it takes to get them their piece
>> of the pie.
>> It's a known fact; the travel industry survives on the business
>> supplied to them by Travel Agents. And because so much of their
>> business relies on Travel Agents, the travel industry treats these
>> Travel Agents like royalty!
>> In all honesty, if a travel related business or vendor is not known
>> and utilized by the country's travel agents, their business will
>> suffer tremendously. In other words, travel companies need Travel
>> Agents to survive...their business depends on them!
>> And most people don't know that becoming a travel agent is quick and
>> easy if you know the secrets. In fact, with our exclusive insider
>> information contained in the Travel Industry Secrets, you'll actually
>> become a licensed Travel Agent in about twenty minutes...it's that
>> quick and it's that easy!
>> When you become a Travel Agent, new doors are opened and courtesies
>> are extended to you, that everyday folks aren't privy to. Like I said,
>> travel companies need travel agents and when you become one of them,
>> you'll be showered with discounts and gratuities by way of deeply
>> discounted and even free travel benefits.
>> http://travelagentiijf.blogspot.com/#
>>
>>
> There are Travel Agents and then there are Professional Travel Agents.
> Know this. You won't be getting the freebies just for being a TA. You
> *earn* them through bookings or agency paid "Fam" trips.
>
> What separates the Pros from the others? Read on:
>
> Travel Agent Myths and Realities
> *Myth:* /*
> */*Travel agents are just glorified sellers of airline tickets and their
> time has come and gone.*
> *Reality:* Travel agents are professionals who provide value by helping
> consumers cut through the clutter and save time and money. They act as
> travel counselors, offering personal service for their clients.
>
> Today’s successful travel agent recognizes that consumers do their
> homework and are more knowledgeable about what they want. Clients who turn
> to an ASTA travel agent want the advice and expertise of a professional
> who:
>
> • Extracts product information;
> • Investigates and supplies competitive information;
> • Stays abreast of the most current and timely promotions;
> • Analyzes the current promotions;
> • Clarifies the fine print, such as cancellation penalties and
> restrictions;
> • Makes recommendations on travel-related options;
> • Simplifies the research and subsequent transaction;
> • Enhances the trip with value-added benefits and amenities;
> • Uses their clout to obtain the best possible arrangements in
> seemingly impossible situations; and
> • Gets problems resolved.
>
>
> *Myth:* *The Internet will replace the need for travel agents.*
> *Reality:* When it comes to booking travel, travel agents are experienced
> professionals. Travel agents sell:
>
> *87% of all cruises*
>
> *81% of all tours and packages*
>
> *51% of all airline tickets*
>
> *47% of all hotels*
>
> *45% of all cars*
>
> There are some things technology cannot replicate, and personal touch is
> one of them. The Internet is a valuable resource, but it cannot replace
> the expertise, guidance and personal service of a travel agent. At a time
> when travelers are stressed out with hectic schedules, travel agents have
> all of the information at their fingertips, saving valuable hours of
> surfing the Web. Agents also can offer insider tips generally based on
> personal experience.
>
> *Myth: Travel agents do not support use of the Internet.*
> *Reality:* Both consumers and travel professionals benefit from the
> Internet.
>
> The Internet has helped transform the travel industry. The Internet gives
> travelers the ability to do comparative shopping for attractive deals or
> packages. It has also helped many travel agencies, hotels, resorts and
> other travel-related suppliers flourish by bringing in business through
> Web sites.
>
> The Internet has become such an integral part of the travel agency
> business that 98 percent of ASTA agencies currently subscribe to a
> consumer online service or an Internet access provider in order to help
> them better serve their clients. Gathering information increasingly
> involves the use of the Internet. Almost 95 percent of agents have
> conducted online research. Nearly 83 percent of ASTA agencies report they
> have booked directly on suppliers’ Web sites without using their GDS or
> calling the supplier in question.
>
> *Myth:* *Young people do not understand or value the services of a travel
> agent.*
> *Reality: *Yes they do. Of the people who use travel agents:
>
> 43% baby boomers 43-60 yrs
>
> 33% gen x 18-33 years
>
> One of the winners of ASTA’s and Hyatt’s “Best Practices Program” has made
> a point to educate students about the adventure of travel and being a
> travel agent as a career. This process has made young people aware of the
> expertise required to be a professional travel agent and about the value
> they offer.
>
> *Myth:* *Minority travel is not a factor in the future of the travel
> industry.*
> *Reality:* Minority travel is one of the fastest growing niches in the
> industry, and as more agencies continue developing specialties, this will
> be reflected in the overall demographic of the travel agency industry.
>
> ASTA recognizes this trend among consumers as well as within the industry
> and has made a consolidated effort to reach out to Hispanic agents with
> the “ASTA en Español” listserv on ASTAnet.
>
> *Myth: All travel agencies and agents are the same.*
> *Reality:* Every travel agency is different and accordingly, some are
> better suited to a given consumer than others. Here are some tips on
> choosing a travel agent who is right for you.
>
> * *Go with the pros:* Look for the ASTA label. Through its
> continuing education and training programs, ASTA prepares its
> members to operate high-caliber, competitive businesses.
> * *Ask around:* Tap friends, neighbors and relatives who use an
> agent they trust. You may want to visit or call several agencies
> to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider everything
> from the appearance of the office to the agent’s willingness to
> listen and answer questions. The best agents want to establish a
> long-term relationship with a client, not just make one sale.
> * *Ask about fees:* Good agents will notify their clients of any
> additional fees, including service fees, up front. Doing otherwise
> is pointless, as the fee will appear as a separate charge on the
> client’s credit card bill.
> * *Search the Web:* Go to TravelSense (www.TravelSense.org) and use
> the “Find an Agent” tool. Search for agents with expertise in
> destinations or specific subjects that interest you.
> * *Check credentials:* Many agents have been trained in business
> management, travel and tourism or geography. Others have
> supplemented their agency experience with extensive education and
> training courses. Some travel agents are Certified Travel
> Counselors (CTC), having completed an educational program with the
> Travel Institute, or Master Cruise Counselors (MCC), having
> completed a program with the Cruise Lines International
> Association (CLIA).
> * *Find out an agency’s track record:* Call ASTA to see whether a
> member agency has had a complaint against it in the prior six
> months. Check with the local Better Business Bureau, while keeping
> in mind they will only have records of agencies that have had
> reports filed against them.
>
> You can find out more about Travel Agents here: http://www.astanet.com/
> /
> /
>
>
> --
> ____
> Brian M. Kochera
> "Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!"
> ____
> View My Web Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~brian1951
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