WATCH: TikTok creator explains the benefit of travel agents to Gen Z
Unbeknownst to many of today’s youngsters, prior to the advent of the internet people who wanted to book travel only had the option of doing so in person.
The process of finding a travel agent and booking trips in person (which we all know and love) was a given in the past if you were looking to explore the world. But many in the Generation Z populous – or Zoomers, as they are often know – were unaware of the essential helping hand that travel agents provide.
Here to educate the Zoomers is an emerging creator on TikTok known as @travelagentandy, who has enlightened fellow TikTokers with the concept of booking travel through a pro, rather than using third party sources.
@travelagentandy
“It feels like millennials and Gen Z are just now starting to catch onto the fact that travel agents like myself still exist in the world,” he said.
Travel Agent Andy acknowledged that many travellers prefer using third-party sources like Booking.com or Expedia, but he outlined the benefits from using a travel agent.
“If you have a hotel in mind that you wanna book and you wanna book through me, it’s completely free,” he said.
“When you book through third-party websites, you’re actually marked to the hotel as a budget traveller, so they’re not going to do anything extra to woo you.”
But the Zoomers were shocked! How does this work? How do agents even make money?
And while this is common knowledge to us in the travel industry, this came as news to the young audience on TikTok.
“Travel agents collect commission on any bookings that are made,” Andy said. “There are some agents and agencies that collect money upfront just to make sure you are serious about booking, …but that’s only some. I’d say the majority of agents in general are free to work with.”
One TikTok user asked, “How do we go about finding someone thats good in our area?” Andy replied that travellers shouldn’t look for someone in their close proximity, but rather someone with expertise in the desired location or type of travel.
His video on why you should use an agent has amassed over 2.5 million views and he currently has almost 80,000 followers on TikTok.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
ERDI offers a path for hospitality leaders of the future, says hotel group CEO
Teaching the next gen in hospo how to serve drinks, take a restaurant order and hold a conversation - yep we're in!
Marketing costs double for tourism operators as Australia’s global footprint shrinks
Cost of living crisis? Forgeddaboutit! If you run a tourism business, your costs have doubled since Covid.
APT adds fourth ship to Travelmarvel fleet in Europe to meet demand
APT punches above its weight in European river cruising - let's see what its got when it comes to naming conventions.
Getting married? W Melbourne has three new packages perfect for the special day
The 'W' themed lights and settings are optional, we hope!
SKYE Suites gets behind Australian Fashion Week, partners with Shark Beauty
We were hoping to get a start at a fashion week event, but apparently our dress sense wasn't up to scratch...
Roadshow Vietnam focus on Ho Chi Minh City heads to Sydney and Melbourne
It's all happening tomorrow in Parramatta and we're sure you'll be able to find a good bahn mi somewhere.
NCL announces two new Aussie BDMs as cruising goes from strength to strength
Cruising may be getting stronger, but we want to know which new BDM is the strongest. We should arrange an arm wrestle.
Inspiring Vacations announces Josh Grocke to new partnerships role
We're sure the best partnerships come about over a long lunch, something Josh will certainly be looking forward to.
Dondra Ritzenthaler announced as Azamara’s new CEO
Dondra's got big news to celebrate, meanwhile we're celebrating a break in the rain today in Sydney.
TTC’s hosting a masterclass series for Aussie agents unlocking the secrets of its five brands
Become an agent of many hats with TTC's new masterclass series!
Dorsett Melbourne appoints new director of sales Maggie Wong
This top female team at the Dorsett Melbourne aims to take the hotel to new heights - even the lucky eighth floor.
Western Sydney Tourism unveils fresh board ahead of ’26 airport opening
'Connect-Stay-Experience', that's the Western Sydney's tourism taskforce's motto. We sort of prefer 'West Is Best'!
From Olympians to mindset coaches, Helloworld’s OMC conference wraps in style
Say hello to a good time and make sure you're at 2025's edition!
Bunnik Tours welcomes KJ Phillips as the new BDM for QLD
We apologise in advance for winding Karen up as our State of Origin sledging begins to ramp up.
Drifter to usher in new age of affordable hybrid accommodation in Christchurch
Sort of like a hostel, but far, far ritzier!
Icebergs restaurateur Terzini joins Mangan at Sydney International Airport
Forget McDonald's or the sushi that's been there all day, dining at Sydney Airport just got a whole let better!
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge: A beacon of luxury in the Kruger
If the lead image wasn't enough to convince you this is next-level luxury, take a peep inside.
Delegates ready for Africa’s travel showcase Travel Indaba at Durban ICC
How's it? We've requested a bag full of biltong on our reporter's return from this shindig.
APT’s world-first hydraulic-powered restaurant and bar ‘will be the envy of river cruises’
It may have been laughed off at first mention in the APT offices, but now it's here, APT are on top of the game!
Administrators appointed in wake of Air Vanuatu collapse – but there is hope
Another one bites the dust. We hope you sang to the tune when reading that!
South Australian beach crowned best ‘hidden gem’ in the country
Stoked baby! Or was that a typo?
Avalon Airport champions low-cost rail connection from Melbourne CBD
Avalon rail connection? Bring it on! In two years, say officials, but we say they've got Buckley's.
2024 Green Revolution Summit brings travel heavyweights into green fuel discussion
It's almost like the organisers read our article on sustainable fuel this week.
Wendy Wu Tours first China mega-famil for 100 travel agents will be full of Wow!
China travel guru Wendy Wu should have no trouble ordering 100 dumplings for key travel agents on her mega famil.
Oaks Hotels & Resorts gets behind Netball’s Suncorp Super League
So Netball Australia draws its moral line somewhere between Gina Rinehart and Oaks Hotels & Resorts.
Tourism Australia appoints new regional general manager United Kingdom
Expat Aussie Andrew Boxall steps off a Flight Centre gig to plant the flag as UK Tourism Australia GM.
Chef Alessandro Pavoni unveils Cibaria at Manly Pacific MGallery Collection
Only problem is you'll get stuck on the Spit Bridge on the way back, after you finish your meal.
Hotel Review: Atlantis The Royal – Stunning in every sense
You can look but you can't touch. At least that's what it feels like when reading an article on this masterpiece.
Flight Centre’s Big Red Sale starts today
Flight Centre taking inspiration from Qantas' Red tail sale yesterday, someone's gotta change for the next round.
Aurora Expeditions announces savings for solo travellers
Save your money and travel and go solo, just don't spend it all buying friends at the bar.
Etihad and Tourism officials launch free Abu Dhabi Stopover
Etihad's giving you free hotel stays on your stopover while Qantas pays fines for ripping people off.
New MSC Australia boss talks hot topics for local cruisers, including the Caribbean
New MSC Australia boss, Antonio Paradiso, spills the Caribbeans on where he expects Aussie cruisers will go next.
Contiki’s latest campaign inspires travellers to engage with the world around them
Hands off! Influencers invited on holiday and told not to post anything. We can assure you they're back at it now.
Aussies a hit on the conference floor for IPW 2024
Diana Ross on opening night, Keanu's Dogstar band and a dozen lobster rolls. All in a week's work at IPW 2024.
Disney excited about prospects of cruise business as Disney Treasure nears completion
Disney's booming cruising business is set to knock Disneyland experiences out of the park.
Scoot’s first E190-E2 flights take off between Krabi and Hat Yai
When flying's a pitch. Airline lite Scoot offers a standard seat pitch of 29” on its new 112-seater.
The Third Party booking sites Andy is referring to are (presumably) online accommodation booking agents. Of these, the well-known ones that most travelers are using are huge and VERY influential with accommodation providers. They have solid contracts with major accommodation providers. So Andy is claiming the possibility of getting preferential treatment through booking with a travel agent but this can also be true in the case of booking through the Third Party sites as they have buying power – probably much more. (using the same reasons as Andy has given).
Where I think what Andy should have been aiming for is not about gaining a possibility of a small incentive (Room upgrade or a few perks & coupons, etc) but that personalized service, i.e. Human Touch that a traveler gets from Andy which the Third Party cannot replicate even with the use of their digital robots PLUS complete transparency of information about the state of the accommodation which some of the travel agents like Andy can provide is very valuable. For example, a super discount which is provided by the Online booking site may not reveal (or even know) that there is a major renovation taking place in that hotel during your intended stay. Travel agents can give travelers current knowledge of the product.
So yes, booking with the right travel agent will come out better in the end but not just the reason given by Andy.