Have you ever stopped to think about those people in “service” positions and how they make our lives better?
Chart your day from the moment you wake up in the morning until your head hits the pillow at night. You interacted with the clerk at the coffee shop, then dropped by the dry cleaner to get your clothes, and ended your trip to work with a stop at the post office to ship a package. At lunch, your server got you in and out in an hour so that you could drop by the pharmacy to pick up a prescription on your way back to work. Your day ended with a stop at the store to get some help with a testy garbage disposal and a late night treat at the drive through custard stand.
You might reason that you are paying for those services. But how many times have these providers gone above and beyond to make your life better?
National Travel Agent Appreciation Day
Today we in the travel industry recognize our front line stars – the travel adviser — as it is National Travel Agent Appreciation Day. These are the people on the other end of the phone who help you deal with a schedule change that has turned your life upside down. These are the people who develop for you a customized vacation experience of a lifetime. These are the people that help you make a wise purchase decision in maximizing the value you receive for the amount you pay.
And they do it with a smile on their face and enthusiasm in their voice.
Sometime you cannot put a value on what a person does for you. But a recent study by the American Society of Travel Agents revealed that consumers said agents saved them an average of $452 and four hours of planning per trip. It should not come as a surprise that the number of travellers using agents has increased over the past three years. Of those who use an agent, 69 percent report agents save them time, 66 percent say agents help avoid costly mistakes and 64 percent point out agents save them money.
“At this point, consumers have tried it all. They’ve booked online, they’ve gone direct, and they’ve used a travel agent. This study dispels the myth that booking direct with suppliers or spending hours online yourself gets you a better deal, or gives you a happier travel experience. Consumers told TNS Global (research firm) that if you want a better travel experience, use an agent,” said ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby.
We at Acendas thank those trusted travel agents everywhere, who make travel a positive experience, whether for business or leisure. Visit acendasvacations.com/advisors to learn more about our outstanding team and book a trip to your favorite destination.