Travel agencies make comeback as customer service is sought after
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
New research from travel research firm PhoCusWright revealed travel agents are making a comeback despite the rise of travel websites. Business travelers on the way to their corporate furnished apartments could rest easier relying on travel agents that help save time in the booking process and use their expertise to help secure a better deal.
Ed Perkins, a contributing editor for SmarterTravel.com said, “Travelers are finally figuring out that they have been spending four hours online to knock 25 bucks off an airfare.” He added, “Businesses understand that when you’re paying somebody to do a job and sending him on a trip, you don’t want a guy to spend half a business day looking for a travel deal.”
One travel agency noted is Alpha Flight Guru which has seen considerable growth largely thought to be due to improved customer service. AFG offers personalized service and special rates that the bigger online travel websites cannot offer. In particular, AFG specializes in helping business travelers redeem credit card points for cheap business class flights.
Another article out July 8 in Richmond Times-Dispatch detailed that travel agents had been becoming more of a term of the past with the rise of internet sites making finding a travel deal to be more of an individual process. However, with travel making a comeback since the recession, people are turning back to travel agents for the expertise and advice.