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
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