Travel Agents
A travel agent is a company booking holidays, flights and/or accommodation on behalf of a tour operator or travel supplier. Traditionally, a travel agent is normally found on the high street, relying on the consumer to walk into their premises, with small independents rubbing shoulders with big multiples like Thomas Cook. In recent years, travel agents are also found in Call Centres and some also operate as homeworkers. Call centre based travel agents will rely on some form of advertising to attract business, such as newspapers, TV, Teletext, websites and/or other similar media platforms. Homeworkers are generally self-employed but work on-behalf of a company. Consumers choose their personal travel agent because they receive an honest, reliable service and/or because they receive the cheapest deal. Reputable travel agents will have financial protection with organization such as ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents), which, unlike many other businesses, the consumers money is protected if the travel agent’s business failed. Various travel agents are listed below…