A shocking new survey from KPMG has revealed that just one in seven people intend to use a travel agent to book their main holiday
This has to be tempered slightly by saying that intention doesn’t necessarily lead to action.
Many people will say they plan to book their holiday on the internet, but get frustrated and call or pop into an agent.
But it still makes dire reading for the 10,000 UK agents, some 7,000 of which belong to ABTA, who have already had to endure the toughest market for years.
It shows that there is a big trend away from retailers and also a lack of respect for the job they do. Too many people now think that agents are an expensive waste of time and the Travelcare report, which said holidaymakers are paying over the odds because big chains simply flog their parent companies, adds weight to the argument.
It’s a good job that many packages are difficult to book online, because otherwise the agencies would be even emptier.
But as the marketing men are fond of saying, agents have got to see this as an opportunity, rather than a threat.
It’s an opportunity to get your business in shape and convince customers that you can offer service and knowledge that will attract holidaymakers.
The warning signs are there. If action isn’t taken, the only opportunity some agents will be left with will be to shut up shop.
Read previous comments by Jeremy:
13-June-2003 Agents need to raise their game on insurance: Comment by J.Skidmore
06-June-2003 Keep terror alerts in perspective: Comment by J. Skidmore
30-May-2003 Packages must be competitive: Comment by J.Skidmore
30-May-2003 Government must improve communication: Comment by J.Skidmore
23-May-2003 Business agents so grateful for fees: Comment by J.Skidmore
16-May-2003 Bookings back – at a price: Comment by J.Skidmore
