A travel agent is a person whose job is to organise travel for end customers (individuals, groups, companies) on behalf of suppliers (hotels, airlines, car rental companies, cruise lines, railways, travel insurance, package tours). Its mission is to simplify travel planning for its customers and also to offer advisory services and complete travel packages.

A travel agency can be self-employed, work for an independent travel agency or be part of a travel agency consortium. Travel agencies may specialise in leisure, business and/or other niche markets. They may be generalists or specialists (e.g. specialising in cruises, adventure travel, conventions and meetings). Travel agencies usually receive a commission of 10- 15% from accommodation providers, transport operators and tourist attractions for coordinating travel bookings.

Although booking a hotel/trip etc. through a travel agent saves time, the number of travel agents is nowadays decreasing due to the strong online presence of the suppliers (hotels, airlines etc.) themselves. OTAs are the (new) online form of a travel agency. Using a travel agency is advantageous for customers planning multiple destinations and/or international trips. Booking through a travel agent saves time and 'headaches'. The experience and advice comes from 'one source' - the travel agent who brings together all the travel components and services for the client/traveller. Agents often also have unpublished offers and activities, which is an advantage for the traveller.


What Does a Travel Agent Do?

A travel agent is a person who works for a travel agency. Travel agencies are private or public hospitality businesses that sell travel and tourism-related services and products to customers.

Loading full article...