The biggest travel trends, according to Travel Counsellors

The biggest travel trends, according to Travel Counsellors
By Tara Harrison


In an increasingly automated world, what role do travel consultants play?

Agents will be future-proofed, not by offering the best price, but by providing a service that cannot be automated: care.

“Which word describes us? Caregivers – the technological changes make that statement even more profound,” Travel Counsellors CEO Steve Byrne said.

Travel Counsellors set out their plans to scale the business at their annual conference held in Melbourne.

One of the elements of this growth is commissioning consultants in Mayfair to predict the future, CEO Steve Byrne joked.

Here are the big trends they anticipate will effect the travel industry.

1. Terrorism

Where there is a one off incident of terrorism such as Paris, London, Manchester – it does not tend to affect people’s desire to travel to destination.

When there is a series of events – Tunisia, Egypt, that has a profound impact on people’s inclination to travel to those destinations.

“It reminds us of our responsibility and duty of care so that when they go away they are safe,” Byrne said.

2. Older demographics

People are living longer and healthier, and the older generation have a higher level of disposable income.

Aged over 50, the kids have flown the nest– they want to travel and travel well.

“Demanding, they want an experience, they’re the customers that will drive the future growth.”

“That’s our sweet spot,” Byrne said.

3. Mobile apps

Travellers are increasingly using apps to book parking, make airport transitions smoother, etc.

Travel Counsellors have developed a MYTC app.

“That is the future,” Byrne said.

4. Hourglass economy

Companies are getting squeezed in the middle. The two strongest business are at either end. There’s the top end which specialises in high premium services and luxury. There’s also the bottom end, which is price sensitive.

Those businesses in the middle are being squeezed.

“The middle squeezed the most because customers are not sure who they are,” Byrne said.

“In reality Travel Counsellors are everywhere but the opportunity is in the premium,” Byrne added.

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