A WA-based Travel Agent has been hailed as an industry hero after publishing a video to Facebook, which summed up how some consultants feel about travellers who book online and then turn to traditional retailers when something goes wrong.
In the one-minute clip that went viral late last week, David van de Meer from helloworld South Perth is seen having a mock phone conversation with a caller who seems desperate to rebook their flight to Bali after the recent Tigerair suspension.
During the (fake) one-way conversation, it becomes clear that the holidaymaker had used an online provider to secure their original fare and is now struggling to rebook via the same channel – a phone call Travel Agents say they’re receiving more and more frequently.
Van de Meer patiently “listens” (remember it’s a mock scenario) to the traveller who asks him to call Tigerair and sort out new flights.
The conversation continues and there’s even a Travel Agent/Online comparison to David Jones/Myers before Van de Meer gives the caller the most honest response:
“It has nothing to do with me.”
Of course, Van de Meer says he would never actually address a traveller in such a way and would “help anyone out regardless of how they originally booked”.
However, he did say that people do need recognise that they need a good Travel Agent because they can offer assistance before, during and after a holiday.
“Everyone needs a great travel agent as we cover your back before, during and after you have returned from your holiday.”
David van de Meer, helloworld South Perth
Since the clip was released it’s received an incredible 114,073 views, 1.7K likes and 646 comments.
Fellow consultants have gone online to praise Van de Meer for the video by describing it as “gold”, “brilliant” and exactly how they feel.
Check out the clip below: