Travel agents making comeback
Traditional travel agents appear to be making a comeback, according to Ypartnership’s 2008 National Leisure Travel Monitor Report.
“In fact, according to the findings, leisure travelers have been more likely to use a traditional travel agent this year – to obtain travel information and prices, or to make a reservation – than last year,†said the report.
In 2008, nearly two in 10 leisure travelers used a travel agent to obtain information and prices, or to make a reservation. Among those seeking information/reservations for airlines and hotels, the number of travelers who used a traditional agent is even higher – three in 10, according to the report.
In addition, three in 10 airline/hotel travelers are planning to use a traditional travel agent during the next 12 months.
“These findings represent a significant increase of five percentage points over last year,†the report said.
Travel agents are also very influential on travelers’ decisions. Six in 10 airline/hotel travelers who used a traditional travel agent perceived the agent to be influential on their travel decisions.
Reasons for using a traditional travel agent vary, but nearly nine in 10 airline/hotel travelers find a travel agent’s ability to find the best available fares or rates extremely or very important when selecting an agent. But more than eight in 10 also cited the importance of an agent’s product knowledge.
Other key findings of the 2008 National Leisure Travel Monitor:
- The number of American adults who have taken a trip of at least 75 miles from home requiring overnight accommodations during the past 12 months decreased to 57% this year, from 63% in 2007.
- More than one-half of all leisure trips fall into the weekend trip category.
- One-third of leisure travelers took a last-minute trip last year; on average, leisure travelers planned such trips approximately 15 days in advance of their departure.
- Nearly three in 10 grandparents have traveled with their grandchildren during the past 12 months.
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