(Updated November, 2012) In April 2012, consumer media began reporting repeatedly on what we already knew: The travel agent is back. Not only are they back, but their usage by consumers is increasing dramatically. We've compiled the latest in a trend of articles that talk about the switch from online travel booking to the hiring of a travel agent. Several of the articles reference the results of one very influential study, PhoCusWright's Travel Agency Landscape Survey, discussed in great detail in our video series here.
These articles reiterate what industry insiders already knew: travel agent revenues, travel agent usage and travel agent influence are all growing. Reporters are finding that rather than the time consuming task of wading through the thousands of online deals and confusing reviews, consumers are seeking out travel advisors that will help them to plan the trip of a lifetime and act on their behalf should travel plans go awry.
Case in point: The devastation of Hurricane Sandy left many travelers without a way to leave their current locations or get to their future destinations. Larry Olmsted of Forbes Magazine once again touted the benefits of working with a travel agent when making travel plans and talked specifically about his travel agent who helped him change his travel plans when Sandy hit. You can find this article here.
Additionally, Mark Murphy, always an advocate for agents around the world, has been at the forefront of this trend, touting the benefits of working with a travel agent professional to the media. We've compiled his dynamic appearances on Fox News, CNN, CBS, and various other news outlets for you to see how Mark and travAlliancemedia have always been one step ahead of the trends. If you're interesting in joining us as we travel forward, contact us today to find out how you can talk to and influence the growing population of travel agents around the world.
TravelPulse on Facebook
TravelPulse on Twitter