Is booking on the internet really cheaper?

Monday, 09 Feb, 2007 0

One thing travel agents and wholesalers have in common is the challenge of the “internet bargain” and it is no different at the Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre.

We all know the feeling when a self declared “internet savvy client” walks in the door of your agency and dismisses the price in the travel brochure by telling you, “I can get it cheaper on the net”!

Let’s look at a few simple points which will help you deal with such claims!

Often the internet deal sounds too good to be true (especially with international hotels) and on closer inspection it actually is.

An internet quote may give your client what appears to be a bargain hotel price but ask your client the following questions:

Does it specify the room type?  Most often no!

Many of Greece and Mediterranean’s Travel Centre’s room rates are based on superior rooms or best available in specific properties, or offer favourable feature such as sea views.

Some internet bargain hunters are disappointed to find that the bargain room they have booked is whatever the hotel decides to fob off to them.

Does the rate quote don the net include taxes and local charges? Often not.  All Greece and Mediterranean’s Travel Centre’s hotel rates do.

Does it include any meals?   Often not.  In most cases Greece and Mediterranean’s Travel Centre’s hotel rates include breakfast and we make it clear what is included and what is not – nothing is hidden in the small print on a computer monitor!

Is there an iron clad guarantee your internet confirmation is honoured?  No! There have been many sad stories of internet bookings either not being honoured at the hotel booked or the hotel transferring you to an inferior property. On the occasions when this happens the client has no comeback. When clients book with Greece and Mediterranean’s Travel Centre the booking is guaranteed and if there is a problem you have immediate recourse to the problem being fixed.

Does the internet provider give your client guidance on the property at which they stay ?  Most often not. 

FINALLY ASK YOURSELF:-

Do you as a travel agent get the commission you deserve when you let your client boook hotels through the net ?    The answer is simple, NO.  

Clients do not understand that most cheap internet hotel deals are available to last minute shoppers from properties seeking to unload excess rooms and for people planning travel well in advance its rarely practical to expect such deals, especially in high seasons.

When you book with a reputable wholesaler such as Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre you get what you pay for without any traps or hidden costs at a price which is either comparable to or less than the internet quote when you are comparing apples with apples. 

We help you sell value to your clients and you earn 12% commission for ensuring they get the best possible value for their travel dollar.

For bookings and information on all Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre Product Phone  1300 661 666 or check out the web site; www.greecemedtravel.com

Report by The Mole



 

profileimage

John Alwyn-Jones



Most Read

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
TRAINING & COMPETITION
Skip to toolbar
Clearing CSS/JS assets' cache... Please wait until this notice disappears...
Updating... Please wait...