Australian Travel Agents don’t need to worry too much about the competition online booking sites may present because ultimately they’re driving customers and their business right back into travel agencies.
That is, according to Savenio Luxury Travel’s Managing Director, David Brandon, who believes Australians are only using digital travel website for one or two small bookings and then turning to Travel Agents for larger, more fulfilling holidays.
CLICK HERE for a full gallery of images from the recent Savenio Symposium.
Speaking to KARRYON shortly after the inaugural Savenio Symposium, David said this is happening because online sites are missing the value, security and knowledge that comes with booking through a traditional consultant.
“Online helps to drive people to advisors.”
David Brandon, Savenio Luxury Travel Managing Director
“Online is more a tool for short holidays, and people recognise there is much more value in booking through a travel professional with extensive knowledge and experience rather than online when they are looking to curate a dream fulfilling holiday.”
David continued, explaining that one challenge Travel Agents face is retaining clients.
He recommended consultants make an effort to always put their clients first and deliver what they actually want and “not what your buying group is telling you to sell”.
Once a client is loyal, their repeat business and referrals will greatly benefit consultants, as Savenio has seen over the past years.
“Repeat and referral is the number one client base for Savenio advisors and that is because they deliver excellence for each and every one of their clients.”
David Brandon, Savenio Luxury Travel Managing Director
The inaugural Savenio Symposium was held in Brisbane last week and saw some 40 Independent Travel Designers come together to network, learn and celebrate the opening of the brand’s new office.
Speakers this year included local bosses for Crystal Cruises, Etihad Airways and Air Tickets along with Allianz and Sabre. Crystal Cruises’ Karen Christensen hosted a fun, interactive session on ‘Defining Luxury’, which was described as a hit among attendees.
David described the Symposium as a reflection of the company’s growth and says he looks forward “to an even bigger and better event in 2019”.
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