Some people might call the travel industry a cut-throat business, with agents doing whatever they can to gain a client, but Sara Locke thinks differently.
"I've been fortunate to have met other agents at various industry events over the years who have become some of my closest friends," said Locke of Book Better Travel in Goffstown, New Hampshire.
"Within our network, we constantly ask for and dish out recommendations or advice to each other."
Just recently, Locke threw up her hands when a preferred supplier just wouldn't operate in a way that aligns with her expectations or how she conducts business with clients.
"I hopped on a call with an agent friend in North Carolina to pick her brain about which supplier would be the best replacement. To me, that is invaluable because she knows the business as much as I do and has the same expectations of suppliers."
As the Long Island Chapter Director of NACTA (National Association of Career Travel Agents) Helen Prochilo said that its members share information to help each other.
"We not only have meetings with suppliers, but we also have simple networking meetings where agents come together to share information, ask questions and help each other," said Prochilo of Promal Vacations in Long Beach, New York. "We find no jealousy or competition. One of my agent friends and I actually did some travel shows together and split the sign-up potential clients between the two of us."
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However, Margie Lenau of Wonderland Family Vacations said that there are some travel agents with a scarcity mindset.
"They think that they need to compete for every client," she said. "In my opinion, the good travel agents work together and respect each other. There's enough business for everyone, with more than 3 billion travelers every year. In my experience, I work with a lot of colleagues and we share opinions and tips, as well as reviews and pictures of the places where we have traveled to recently. I am part of a very supportive group of agents, and that expands every time I travel to industry events."
Jacquie Whitt, of Adios Adventure Travel in Virginia Beach, works closely with traditional travel agents who need detail-specific Intel for their groups going to Machu Picchu.
"Their requests might include a customized itinerary, such as the Inca Trail hike or a destination wedding," she said. "Sometimes the agent will book the hotels and flights, and leave the permits, logistics and guides to us. It doesn't matter. We're grateful to work with other agents. We answer all questions promptly and don't have any issue with their brand."
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Renee Tsang of Centre Holidays in Calgary, Canada, doesn't work as an individual; she works on a team with many other agents and depends on them for their expertise: "We all have a different perspective on travel, each bringing their own expertise to the table.
"There is more than enough business around for everyone, and each agent has their own specialty so there is no need to compete with each other for business. By working with other agents who are very knowledge in other destinations I am not as familiar with, I can still offer a high-quality experience for my clients, with the confidence and expertise of other agents."
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