Study finds travel agent optimism up almost one third
Travel agents are getting more optimism about their future, according to the latest Travel Agent Sentiment Survey.
Conducted quarterly by VAX VacationAccess, the study found 81% are optimistic about business, a 30 percent increase from August of 2011.
That study came at a time when the Canadian Travel Press was running a story saving "Agencies Thriving." The story said a new CLIA report forecast higher sales and the growth of agent staffers.
In the VAX study, 35% of agents were "very optimistic," up from 28% in November 2011; 46% were "fairly optimistic," down slightly from 47% in November 2011.
Another 84% said that business is picking up. And 81% said that their customers are getting used to the current volatile economic climate and are less likely to cancel their travel plans.
Clients also expect much higher value for their money, the study found. And gas prices have become a major factor driving travel decisions.
Half of the agents surveyed are booking travel four months and out.
By David Wilkening
David
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