It’s been a while since we’ve written a story on the superhero-like qualities of the humble Travel Agent, but that doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten the effort some of you will go to to save the day for your clients.
For a while back in 2016, we had a regular series here at KarryOn called Travel Agent to the Rescue. And in the words of Borat, it was a GREAT SUCCESS!
In sum, the purpose of the series was to shine the spotlight on Travel Agents that went beyond the call of duty (some may say within the scope of their duty) to rescue their clients from holiday disaster. And it being a new year and all (can you believe it’s 2017?! Insane…), we thought we’d highlight some of the best rescuing of 2016.
For example, there’s Kate McLean from MTA Travel, who rescued her clients after they had their luggage and passports destroyed in a fire at their hotel in Dubai – on New Years Eve.
Thanks to the brand’s Virtuoso suppliers on the ground in the UAE, Kate was able to sort out brand new passports for her distraught clients, as well as re-arrange their accommodation in the space of 24 hours, which is probably the amount of time you’d have to wait to just to make contact with an Online Travel Agency, such as Webjet.
Kate McLean from MTA Travel.
Then there’s the Wonder Woman antics of Phoebe Hicks from STA Travel, who, just like any superhero, was there at the right place and time to save her client from possible disaster – no Chinese visa disaster, to be precise.
Phoebe averted the disaster by following up with a client a month after initial contact to inquire whether he was still looking at flights to Europe. The client had found some pretty cheap ones flying China Southern, but Phoebe was able to get him even cheaper flights with a non-Chinese airline. If it wasn’t for Phoebe, the client would have paid more and been denied boarding at the airport, as he was completely unaware that he needed a visit to fly via China.
“I found him flights on our exclusive STA Travel blue ticket – with Etihad – that had far better connection times, and, here’s the kicker, was even cheaper too!”
Phoebe Hicks, STA Travel.
Phoebe Hicks from STA Travel.
But let it be known: not all Travel Agents work alone, and some work better as a team. Such as the concerted efforts by the folks at helloworld in Lower Templestowe in Melbourne, who rescue travellers left, right and centre – regardless of whose client they actually are – on an almost weekly basis.
From rebooking clients on alternative flights after a fleet is grounded, to arranging emergency passports so a husband could be with his injured wife in Bali, to getting a US visa reinstated for a client that had his visa denied, these helloworld agents are basically the travel industry equivalent of the A-team!
The team at helloworld in Lower Templestowe, Melbourne.
So on behalf of KarryOn, we wish all you Agents out there a truly successful 2017. Here’s to proving once again the value in booking with a real person instead of a computer screen.
Check out some of our other Travel Agent to the Rescue stories, here, here and here.