Bad training has taken toll on agents worldwide: Speakman

Bad training has taken toll on agents worldwide: Speakman
By admin


Travel agents must begin to value themselves once again in order to thrive amid an increasingly cluttered landscape, says Travel Counsellors chairman David Speakman.

Speaking to Travel Today in an interview to mark 20 years of the home-based firm, Speakman highlighted the issue as a worldwide problem, with agent training at its root.

“In Australia, and it’s the same in the UK, travel agents are trained badly,” he said.

“They’re told they’re worthless, that what they offer is worthless, that it’s all about the price of the holiday.

“So they don’t value themselves at all.”

Many don’t factor in the time and effort put into clients’ holiday plans, something which Travel Counsellors attempts to address when training its new consultants, according to Speakman.

“You have to retrain the staff so that they believe in themselves,” he said.

The company has enlisted the help of motivational guru Mike Finnigan who has toured the world to teach Travel Counsellors how to change their way of thinking.

“We empower them to become new people and I’m proud of that," Speakman said.

“We retrain people to understand what society needs and society needs carers.”

Latest News

  • Conferences

Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau

The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]

  • Destinations

Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents

World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]

  • Cruise

Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25

Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]

  • Cruise

PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC 

Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]