US agents ‘have a bright future’

Tuesday, 30 Jul, 2002 0

US agents have a bright future despite having had their commissions axed by airlines, according to a top retailer.

Uniglobe president and chief executive Martin Charlwood believes the new environment has led to greater creativity among agents determined to prosper. Revenues are now coming from transactions, management fees and mark-ups on products. Meanwhile, agents are using new technology, including the Internet, to save costs.

“The stage has been set for professional, value-added travel consultants to substantially increase their market share by providing quality, time-saving counsel on travel arrangements in return for a nominal fee,’” said Mr Charlwood.

“There will always be a market for a quality travel agency professional to provide time-saving advice and choice on all types of travel arrangements.”

Mr Charlwood added that demand for leisure travel was increasing. “Franchisees report that leisure travellers go online to search for alternatives and then contact a travel agent for advice and assurance before buying from us.”

But he warned that travel agents need higher quality staff to survive without commissions. “The industry will need to attract more sophisticated personnel as the skill-set required to justify the value-added fees will be greater.”