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News 29/01/2007   

TA Fastrack: Agents can have a bright future
Steve Jones
 


Travel agents can thrive in today’s market if they focus on a broader mix of clients, emphasise their expertise and ensure they have a web presence, according to training and consultancy firm TA Fastrack.

Chief executive Adrian Caruso added that the public’s appetite for travel has never been greater, despite volatile world events.

Forecasting a strong future for retailers, Caruso said all generations are looking to travel, with baby boomers influencing their own parents and young people increasingly wanting to see the world.

“Travel agencies now have a broader range of audiences to target than ever,” he said. “Success will come to those who either learn how to serve this broad market or who effectively target special age groups or niches.”

Internet bookings will increase, he added, but travellers “have learned that searching the web can be time consuming and often frustrating”.

“There is a slight but important migration back to travel agents by web users,” Caruso said. “Travel agents can increase their clientele by emphasising what they do that the web cannot. That includes promoting that you offer the lowest fares possible.”

But he added it was also important for agents to have their own web presence “that promotes your offerings and capabilities”.

29 January 2007


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