Advantage to blitz customers with ‘messages of positivity’

Advantage travel agents will blitz past and present customers in a bid to inject confidence into the market and lift the doom and gloom hanging over travel.

A ‘campaign of positivity’ will kick off this week that will aim to inspire would-be holidaymakers and reassure them that holidays can still be booked without financial risk.

Under the slogan, Keep Calm and Dream of Travel, agents will also outline the flexible booking options that have been drawn up by tour operators.

The crusade follows weeks of negativity, with borders closing, hotel quarantine and even Government ministers warning people not to book holidays.

Advantage Travel Partnership Leisure Director Kelly Cookes said the campaign will illustrate how agents can help customers navigate the complex world of Covid.

"Gone are the days when travel agents just helped customers to choose between Greece or Grenada," she said. "The service the travel agent provides in the pandemic world is so much more complex. 

"Our members have a duty of care to their clients and on top off providing inspiration about a destination they are fully equipped to provide vital information on entry requirements, Covid-19 valid insurance options, testing logistics and airport protocols."

Among the vital messages to be drilled home is that booking a holiday is not illegal, as inferred this week by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

"A vital part of the role of the travel agent is to take a client through the flexible options and booking conditions available to them," Ms Cookes said. "It’s important to remember that booking a holiday is not illegal. 

"Booking a holiday is actually very relevant to our mental health. We need to be able to dream of travel even if we currently we cannot leave home.

"One day we will be able to swap our home lounge for an airport lounge so why not book a flexible package now."

Advantage is also launching a series of webinars for members where tour operators will provide updates on their product, costs and booking options.

Gold Medal, which will kick off the series, reiterated it was important to dispel the myth that booking a holiday is illegal.

"We know we will travel again, and it’s important to plan something fun for the future to keep us all sane," Sales Director Nick Hughes said.

"Travel agents are vital to our business, they provide the human touch, cut through the confusion and give customers that all important level of security required in a world reeling from the impact of a global pandemic. 

"We must remain hopeful for a brighter future and we love the campaign’s positive approach.

"We are with Advantage and we will keep calm and help our customers dream of travel."