Demand for Travel Is Flying High
Increased Options, More People Traveling Means Availability at Premium
The Signal - Business Section, January, 2005
With a bright travel forecast ahead, now more than ever people need to rely on the knowledge of a skilled travel professional to get what they want in first-choice vacation options.
The demand for all things travel is at a premium. And while there is a world full of travel possibilities, there are as many people competing for the finite number of airline seats, hotel rooms and cruise cabins. It’s not just the holidays that are all booked up. Destinations globally and the planes flying there are running pretty full all year-round.
Here’s the deal, if you are a last-minute travel planner, don’t start packing your bags just yet. Finding availability will be your greatest challenge, especially if you go it alone.
Success in today’s travel marketplace requires people to plan ahead. So, put the vacation brochures down, step away from the beautiful website on Hawaii, and get with your travel specialist to turn good intentions into booked reservations. Your family vacation depends on it.
Honestly, many people ask themselves why they need a travel agent when they can book their own vacation online. This is a compelling question, with a very simple answer – value, value, value, and accountability. Both provided by a travel consultant, neither offered online.
The web is great at giving price, but falls short of showing the value of travel options or difference between them. Online you may find a high-end Ritz Carlton property to be more expensive than other hotels, end of story. But if this cost difference is marginal and the Ritz is offering a travel special, for just a little more money who wouldn't prefer the accommodations of the Ritz. If you were working with a travel consultant, you would realize the value of this proposition.
Sure the Internet is a convenient and useful tool for researching travel options and pricing, but once you disengage from cyber space, who is there to help you find the best options available or to follow-up when you need a last minute change in itinerary? Let’s see, no one. But your travel agent would be. We offer the expertise that travelers’ value, and the professionalism you deserve.
Beyond price shopping, knowing the differences between hotels, cruise lines, resorts and spas, and understanding your personal preferences is what a travel expert does best. Travel is a relationship business. We put people first and incorporate the latest online technologies to better serve our clients.
We also stay ahead of trends and changes that affect your travel experiences. Right now, family travel remains strong, and so does the continued popularity of cruises, resorts and all-inclusive packages.
Recent surveys by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) show that over the last few years, family travel has kept consistent and on the rise, up nearly 20-percent since 2001. Family travel, which now includes blended households, single parents and kids, grandparents and multi-generations, is emerging as a new niche for group travel. Not surprisingly, the most popular feature to vacationing families is cruises and resorts that offer something for everyone.
Again, this is where your local travel specialist can help. When demand is high, first-choices go fast and options become limited, and often value is compromised. You don’t need to do this alone sitting in front of your computer.
Work with one of our agents whose specialty is the destination you want to visit, who knows the details and questions to ask. Who delivers value to your family vacation, and a trip that everyone really wants. Then your travel forecast is sure to be bright too.
Commentary provided by Eric Maryanov, president and founder of All-Travel.com, the Los Angeles-based travel management company with an office in Valencia. He can be reached at 661.775.7511..
For more information
contact Nicole Stinson, Public Relations
(310) 312-3368
