Are you considering a career as a travel consultant? If you are, I'm sure you are pondering about the need for more travel consultants when many people are booking their vacations on the internet.
History has shown that technology rarely replaces older methods and processes. Television didn't replace radio or movie theaters. The computer screen didn't replace the paper that continues to pile up on your desk - at least on my desk. Technology does make old methods and processes more efficient. It's much easier for travel consultants to communicate with clients using email. And, it's much easier for travel consultants to interact with suppliers using the internet.
An article in the Miami Herald from December 25th, concludes that travel agents are making a comeback. This conclusion is supported by evidence. A recent ASTA survey says that 44 percent of travel agents have seen an increase in clients during 2010. The survey mentioned that the number of leisure travelers using the web to book travel dropped 6% from 2009 to 2010.
The article cited some of the reasons are that travel agents offer knowledge of special destinations such as India or Africa. Or the travel agent may specialize in honeymoon destinations, or some other niche market. Another reason cited is that there is too much "noise" on the internet and making choices about travel is difficult and time consuming. Leisure travelers are looking to the travel agent to cut through the noise, save the consumer time and add value to their vacation experience.