George's Journal: a Collection of Articles The Changing Face of the Travel Industry In my previous article I said I would continue a short series on how to select a holiday from a brochure, as it is important to read carefully between the lines. I advised that you should place your trust in a good registered travel agent to be sure that what you think you are getting is what you really should be buying. As I write this article today and based on what has happened in the travel industry over the last couple of months, I think I'll shift and explain the changing relationships within our industry as you are very much affected by it. You could wind up paying more for your trip or even losing all of your money due to supplier bankruptcy. In the "good old days" when I started in this industry (in 1962) there was a definite division between suppliers and sellers. The airlines and tour companies provided distinctive product and the travel agents provided you, the consumer, with the interpretation of what was being offered and made the arrangements for you. Agents were paid for this service in the form of a commission from the supplier. In today's environment the airlines have chosen to voluntarily destroy the close working relationship within the industry to the point that it is now adversarial and confrontational between the two formerly friendly segments. This has come about since the government reduced restrictions within the industry, which resulted in more competition than the airline industry could handle. This led to frequent flyer style programmes which has resulted in too many people flying for free, and now means they can not afford the service levels we have all become accustomed to. It also means they can choose whether or not to pay travel agents commission levels necessary to keep the doors open. Mind you, there are now far too many people selling travel, which is another problem. The result is you are being asked by the suppliers to make your own bookings direct with them. Unfortunately, they are not unbiased in dealing with you and do not and cannot give you proper consultation on what is best for you. They advise on what is best for the airline. On top of this, when you buy direct from them, your money is not protected if they go bankrupt, as they are not registered with the B.C. Travel Registrar. Nor can they be. It has never been more important for you, the traveller, to develop a quality relationship with a travel agent you can trust and who will work for you. But now you will have to pay a small service charge to balance off what the airlines have reduced our commission levels by. Only a travel agent will take the time to advise you if a particular airline or cruise line, etc. is best for you considering your needs and wants. They will also advise you of the ever increasing number of taxes, service charges and user fees you will be confronted with along the way. As a result of this change within the industry, I strongly recommend that you find a quality travel consultant in a B.C. registered travel agency, pay the low service charge and get your money's worth by asking questions and listening to the suggestions and advise given. In today's travel marketplace, it is more important than ever to use a travel counsellor no matter what enticements the airlines use in their advertising. George Bell, |
Bell Travel Services- Providing Custom Travel Services for
24 Years.
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