I am glad Joel Abels has made Travel Trade a “No Whining Zone”! Travel business is great! And, it’s better than ever for the home based agent!
I have been a home based agent for several years. When I first left the storefront travel agency to begin my own business at home, many suppliers would not even work with a home based agent without an IATA number.
I began with Carnival and a few others. Now I am overwhelmed with the support from suppliers. The DSM’s are actually contacting me! The suppliers have realized the potential from home based agents and are helping us grow our businesses. These same suppliers are also supporting Home Based Trade.
One way the suppliers have helped me is by giving me money: co-op funds for marketing. I have contacted several of the suppliers that I work with for co-op advertising funds many times. I have never been refused co-op funds for any of the projects I’ve requested. This total sum is a huge part of my advertising budget!
Most importantly, the new level playing field as far as prices are concerned has been a huge step for the success of smaller home based agencies. As Joel said, “The suppliers do want us to succeed” and equal prices makes this possible! I think it is time for agents to stop bashing the suppliers and join their efforts. George Dooley’s article in the March 23 edition of Travel Trade on the New York Post investigation gives us proof we can compete and even beat online services on pricing. Now it is up to us to get that message out to our clients and the public.
Once again, Joel was exactly right about the Internet gorillas. “If you can’t beat them, join them.” The Internet is the best thing that has come along for home based agents! It is our storefront. Not only that, technology has made our job much easier and provided more time for us to actually sell. If other agencies, including online agencies, are getting ahead, agents should stop whining and start learning! Technology changes everyday. There are new products constantly being introduced to help us. Just take a look at the products offered by advertisers in Travel Trade!
In the March 23 issue of Travel Trade, Marilyn Green reported that Carnival Corporation increased its net income by 70% in the first quarter of 2005! Many other cruise lines are claiming similar increases in revenues. Most cruise lines have new ships ordered and capacity is growing. Obviously, by making these huge investments, these corporations are expecting sales to continue to grow. Along with that, the increased demand has helped to raise prices. The travel industry is alive and well!
The whining is creating a poor public image for the travel agent community. It makes it seem as if we are not capable of changing with the times and keeping abreast of modern technology to research information and compete with prices. The media and clients are picking up on the negativity. This creates uncertainty about the state of travel and effectiveness of travel agents. Not only do we sell travel, we sell ourselves. If our clients can’t trust us as professionals, we are in trouble!
Travel Trade has given some great advice. Tell the world that a travel agent is a professional. We can help make dreams come true, with the lowest prices, the most knowledgeable advice and the greatest customer service!