Comments on: Q&A: Why Gen X & Y Should Consider Using Travel Agents

By: Travel Agents for the Internet Generation | Masters At Travel Blog

Travel Agents for the Internet Generation | Masters At Travel Blog — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:07:33 +0000

[...] Below, travel junkie and professional writer, Emily Gerson, interviews agent Tom Lewis to find out why. You can read the full article on Emily’s blog, Maiden Voyage: Travel For 20Somethings. [...]

By: Mark Brown

Mark Brown — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:06:44 +0000

Value is the key word here. Booking on your own may get you the cheapest deal, but when people book strictly on price, they never seem to remember the money they saved, but they certainly never forget the unpleasant experience they had.

On connections – heres a email back from a resort we booked a couples vacation at this week where we asked for a few things for them.

Dear Mr. Brown.

I really thank you for your kind words and for the reservation of our mutual guests!
As you correctly said we really enjoy to be part of Secrets Silversands and AMResorts. It is a pleasure!!

And it will also be a pleasure to give them the best room we have on the category they have had reserve. Unofficially I can tell you that if possible we will give them an upgrade.
I will be more than happy to VIP them and send an amenity with a note upon arrival on your behalf. As for January 2nd, I will send a lovely cake for two people to celebrate Mrs. XXXXX’s Birthday.

Regarding the Romantic Dinner I will start with the arrangements for the 31st.

Finally please find attached the SPA Menu.

Warm regards,

Juan Miyamoto

Assistant to Chef Concierge

Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancún

By: Jennifer @ ApproachGuides

Jennifer @ ApproachGuides — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:52:48 +0000

Excellent interview! Although at first it sounds dubious that introducing a third party (a travel agent) can bring greater value than booking as an individual, it’s true. Once we discovered that was the case, we used an agent for almost all of our hotel and transportation bookings.

By: Emily Gerson

Emily Gerson — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:24:26 +0000

Mark, I love the title Destination Specialist! Or even Travel Specialist. Or perhaps Travel Consultant? I think any of these sound more sexy than Travel Agent!

By: Mark Brown

Mark Brown — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:25:34 +0000

Lewis has put the challenge out there!!

Ok – how about:

Exotic Destination Specialist or
Chief Getaway Officer or Romance Travel Concierge.

Have any other ideas?

What say you??

By: Lewis Parker

Lewis Parker — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:34:03 +0000

I think everyone should stop using the term “Travel Agent.” It sounds like “insurance agent” or “Real Estate Agent”. Blah!

If you want to attract young people- you have to sex it up.

By: Haisley Smith

Haisley Smith — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:00:43 +0000

I couldn’t disagree more with Patty. I am also in the travel industry, and a member of Gen X (for better of for worse). I have found that my contemporaries and clients are looking for all types of experiences – be it Beverly Hills or a mountaintop in Costa Rica. What they crave is a unique experience – one that being affiliated with a consortia such as Virtuoso can provide. City, country, third world…makes no difference.

By: Mark Brown

Mark Brown — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:29:26 +0000

Rach,

It does help. And I think you are spot on in your message.

Statistics don’t mean everything – it’s all about the individual and what they want and need in a vacation.

That’s one of the reasons why it’s so important for us to listen to our customers and find them a location that fits their needs.

By: Rach

Rach — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:10:04 +0000

I’m going to have to agree with Emily. As 20something travelers, my husband and I tend to alternate. Last year we went to an all inclusive resort in Mexico. Our activities included sleeping, reading on the beach, swimming, and more sleeping. We just needed the break. This year, we were in Durango, CO zip lining, horse back riding, hiking, alpine sliding and the like. For us it just depends on how crazy and stressful the year has been – that’s what makes us pick our destination. Hope that helps!

By: Emily Gerson

Emily Gerson — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:07:20 +0000

Hi Patty,
I think it can definitely go both ways. I have some friends in their early 20s who are definitely more of the skydiving, adventurous type, but I also know some people who are in their late 20s and are busy professionals who are looking for a relaxing and less adventurous travels. However, I have also seen it go the opposite way. A lot of growth happens in your 20s and at different paces for different people; some would rather backpack and scuba dive, and others prefer a relaxing week at a resort. I think it is a great idea for a travel agent to be open to the idea that not all 20someting travelers are the same and have a variety of different travel styles.
Emily

By: patty

patty — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:37:29 +0000

I have been in the travel industry for over 20 years as well in several management positions within the industry….I find the quote by TL that the Gen X and Gen Y are urban travelers and use his services for hotel stay’s because of the perks a bit strange.

The Gen X and the Gen Y with vacation time and money to spend are not staying in a hotel in Beverly Hills with valuable time off of work on their yearly vacation….

Guess what they are sky diving in the desert, zip linning in Costa Rica, scuba in Belize, mountain climbing in the rockies, biking in Italy, adventure in Morocco, just to name a few…

The successful agents who sell to the X and Y are well seasoned, well traveled and know all about adventure….The days of anyone sitting on the beach for a week or for that matter in a nice hotel with perks is long over….

The X’s and Y’s are looking for a experience. I would say if a agent wants to go after that market step out of that box and get on the rocket…Maybe even a Galactic space flight with Virgin Atlantic….

Really good agents are out there, take the time and do a web search.

By: Mark Brown

Mark Brown — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:02:40 +0000

One of the things that we love to do, is contact the resort prior to our guests arrival.

We find that by doing this, our customers get so much more out of their trip. And here’s why the resorts go out of their way to help us and our clients – repeat referrals.

Find a travel agent that’s willing to go the extra mile for you out there. For many of us, it’s all about customer service.

Happy Travels!!