Travel Consultation
- Agents use a GDS to book trips. Consultants use their personal contacts around the world to make reservations.
- Agents are adept at finding clients what they want. The consultant is rarely an order-taker and most often is part of a collaborative decision process.
- Agents make hotel reservations through a computer system. Consultants work directly with the hotel’s executive team to secure a personalized stay with proper amenities.
- Agents do their bookings on computers. Consultants rely on personal knowledge and destination experience.
- Agents can access a profile of their clients. Consultants have personal knowledge of their clients’ likes, dislikes, travel background and interests.
- Agents book packages on price. Consultants seek out value, knowing that discounted garbage is still garbage
- Agents book cruises. Consultants create customized cruise experiences
- Agents will sell products that produce low commissions in the hope that the client will return to book something more expensive the next time. Consultants refer bargain hunters to travel agents.
- Agents book products with which they are familiar. Consultants arrange travel for people with whom they are familiar.
- Agents try to know their sales reps. Consultants get to know the best travel firms and enablers worldwide. They know the top executives at the firms they support, can call them directly when necessary, and their call will be answered.
- Agents take pride in making a successful booking. Consultants take pride in creating a truly memorable experience as a result of going beyond expectations.
- Agents are, first and foremost, agents of the suppliers. Consultants are, first and foremost, agents of the clients.
What we call ourselves ought to have meaning in the marketplace. After all, it was Socrates who said, “Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of. … The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.”
Travel consultants assist clients in making travel arrangement for both business and holiday purposes. They help provide quotes to find the best value options available and make bookings for transport, accommodation, sightseeing activities and other travel related activities a client may need.
Travel consultants have specialized knowledge of travel issues, affording them the ability to help their clients make informed travel plans. They also assist in the entire process of getting the client to and from his or her destination.