While it’s true that the travel industry is recovering in the wake of the pandemic, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re free as a bird to book travel wherever your client’s heart desires.
If you’re a travel agent, you’ve admittedly had a tough few years fulfilling your clients travel needs. Maybe your client is aching to book that business class Paris ticket this summer, but his or her employer tightened the company’s travel budget at the last minute. Or maybe your best customer wants to scratch Russia off their travel bucket list, yet they have some trepidation about political unrest in the region.
While it’s true that the travel industry is recovering in the wake of the pandemic, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re free as a bird to book travel wherever your client’s heart desires. As a travel agent, your job is a tough one because you’ve got to accommodate both your clients budget and preferences while also keeping compliant with travel regulations in an increasingly complex world. If you can relate, you might be interested in these solutions that both save your client’s money and provide them the travel experience they are craving.
Offer international options while staying domestic
For whatever reason, if you can’t book an international flight for your client, try to accommodate them with domestic options. Because the US is a vast melting pot of cultural diversity, you can come pretty darn close to vibrant cultures right in the nation’s backyard without having to book a flight overseas.
For example, you can arrange a trip to Solvang, California where the Danish still have a stronghold in a community that will make your client swear he or she is touring Denmark. Or, encourage your client to explore Little Italy in NYC for its rich heritage and authentic Old World Italian charm.
The point here is that there are communities all around the US who have held tightly to their traditions, cuisine, culture and heritage. Many of these communities in the US are so authentic, it’s like your client has gone abroad without even stepping foot off domestic soil. This is a solution that can be both affordable, and more accommodating in today’s dicey climate for travelers.
Stay constantly updated and build contingency plans
As mentioned, the current world climate is shaky at best. Pandemic concerns are still lingering, economic instabilities are rampant around the globe, outbreaks of war and political unrest loom in the air. As a travel agent, it is crucial to stay abreast of these and other potential travel glitches. Your job is to make your clients’ travel experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
While this might be a tall order in today’s unsettled world, it can be done. The trick is to be ever watchful of potential threats and keep your finger on the pulse of trends and events in your niche travel sections. Also, build in contingencies for every trip you book for your clients. For example, if you provide a client with a full travel package to Europe, make sure you’ve built in a “plan B” so they can return home safely in case there is an unexpected government shutdown, quarantine or emergency while they are abroad.
Help them save money
The rise of travel costs is undeniable, but it’s not stopping people from globetrotting during summer holidays and vacations. As a crackerjack travel agent, it’s your job to find the best price for the best value for your client. You can do this by networking with other agencies, or negotiating with other contacts in the travel industry. Hunt down the best travel times for your client too, because timing can mean big savings. And don’t forget to utilize discounts for your clients such as veteran, student or senior citizen discounts when booking lodging or making other travel arrangements.
Do what you do best and stay accessible to clients
A recent study reveals that more people are looking to travel advisors and agents to make travel arrangements both domestic and abroad. In fact, research conducted by the American Society of Travel Advisors shows that 44% of travelers will use a travel agent to help with their plans this summer and the future. That’s a 27% jump from the pre-pandemic era. In light of the increased demand, now more than ever travel advisors are called upon to provide accurate, reliable scheduling and booking services.
As a travel agent, you are the go-to person for your client. To retain their satisfaction and ensure their safety, it is imperative that you conduct your job as flawlessly as possible. Additionally, be sure to stay accessible to your clients. Because you are the lifeline in case of emergency, it’s crucial your customer can reach you in case the worst happens on their trip.
As a travel agent, your job is certainly not an easy one. However, there is nothing better than providing clients with spectacular deals, and amazing travel adventures. Following these tips will help you do just that so you can meet your clients’ needs for travel this summer.
Photo by Tommaso Pecchioli on Unsplash
