Agents still favourite for longhaul trips
Even the internet-savvy younger generation turns to a travel agent to book longhaul, expensive trips, according to a recent survey.
The survey carried out by TNT magazine found 75% of its readers bought their air ticket to the UK through an agency, versus 8% online and 11% over the phone.
In contrast, 40% of the same readers used the internet to buy shorthaul travel around Europe, with each reader taking an over 11 trips during a two-year stay in the UK.
The readership of TNT is predominantly young travellers from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, a generation that regularly uses the internet to keep in touch with home.
TNT Group head of marketing Rob Stross said: “While the internet does have a vital role to play in travel bookings, there is a clear difference between long and short haul travel. The bigger the travel purchase, the less willing people are to book online.
“Readers generally like to be reassured and the best way to do that is by dealing with someone face to face. Even the telephone can act as a barrier to this sort of purchase.”
Report by Ginny McGrath
Ginny McGrath
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026