a travel agent different from a travel consultant? The traveling public is more familiar with the term “Travel Agent” if searching for a destination vacation package. But the word agent has a negative connotation in the travel industry. The next question, is a travel agent becoming an extinct species? I am sure this question has crossed several people’s mind. My perspective as a travel consultant is yes! As far as I am concerned persons who function as a travel agent will go into oblivion. Whereas, some individuals have adjusted their role in the industry. As a result, they will continue to flourish. They will provide an essential service to the traveling public.
What is a travel agent?
My definition of a travel agent is a person who takes orders for travel. If this is the sole function of a travel agent, then they are competing with the internet. There are several online booking engines that provide similar services. The travel industry has gone through many changes over the years. As a result, the travel agent has not been immune to those changes. New technology like the internet has affected all facets of our lives. It has also revolutionize the way of doing business.
On the contrary, the main function of a travel consultant is educating their clients. In addition, the travel consultant should provide advice as part of the selling process.
Effects of the internet
In the past, travel information would take weeks to research. In fact, that information was only available to the travel agent. Now that information is at everyone’s fingertips. The benefit of this new phenomenon is tremendous. As a large volume of information on all walks of life is available instantly. You can analyze and dissect any destination vacation package into different components in a matter of seconds. This is a plus to the traveler as they can research and book their travel online from the comfort of their homes.
The internet also has its negatives. With so much information available – the traveler can be overwhelmed and confused. A Goggle search for “destination vacation package ” would provide over sixty one million five hundred responses. As a result, the traveler can be lost in the sea of information. He must sift through the millions of responses. He can then decide which package would be his dream vacation. Filtering through the large volume of information is time consuming. Whereas the travel consultant would be knowledgeable and familiar with the destination. By using a travel consultant, a person can invest their time in more productive work. There is also the danger of scam artist that are operating on the internet. Many travelers have booked hotels on the internet. Their hotel selection was based on the photos displayed on the website.
They discovered on arrival that the hotel was quite different from what was being portrayed. Their dream vacation was now a nightmare. As the saying goes, “all that glitter is not gold”. If the reservation were made through a travel consultant. The hotel quality would be guaranteed. Many travel consultants visit locations on familiarization trips. They also receive recommendations from other professionals if they are unable to visit the destination.
Functions of a Travel Consultant
The advantage of using the expertise of a travel consultant is limitless. A consultant should be used when searching for a cruise or a destination vacation package. Buying a cruise is an overly complicated matter. It is quite different from purchasing an airline ticket. As a cruise is an experience and not a commodity. Moreover, it is difficult to get that emotion from the internet. Cruises differ from each other. The travel consultant will use his experience to analyze, advise and determine the correct cruise. He will match the client not only with the right cruise line but also with the right ship. This is necessary as cruisers want to enjoy food, entertainment and a destination in an environment that matches their lifestyle.
The travel professional will ensure your destination vacation package goes without a hitch from beginning to end. It can be disastrous going to Alaskar. You have to prepared for the weather. Also, a person who makes an internet booking might be losing out on a great deal. Travel professionals have access to some resorts that is not available to public. This means that you may be able to get a better package deal or a better price if you use a travel consultant.
As I have noted, travel consultants provide an essential service. They complement the travel industry. Whereas, a travel agent only takes orders. Contact travel consultants from Tropical Destination Vacations for your destination vacation packages.