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Finding A Travel Agent Easier With New Tool
Finding a travel agent has never been a problem; there are plenty of them to go around. But finding a good one, an agent that can add value to our trip planning – that's another story altogether. Now, a leading travel agency brand is providing us with an unconventional way to connect with its travel agent experts.Travel Leaders is one of America's top ten ranked travel companies with strong roots. The former Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates, TraveLeaders and Tzell Travel Group joined together in 2008 to form one of the industry's fastest-growing and robust networks of travel agents.
"Since its inception, Travelleaders.com has always provided consumers the ability to find the Travel Leaders location nearest them. Now, Agent Profiler takes the consumer experience much further and offers consumers an exciting new opportunity to browse for the travel agent specialist who most appeals to them," Roger E. Block, president of Travel Leaders Franchise Group told Gadling in a statement.
Called their Agent Profiler, TravelLeaders.com has a dedicated online page that promises to match the traveling public with a Travel Leaders travel agent who best fits their own unique criteria and needs.
Experts agree that a travel professional focused on being there for us every step of the way during the travel process is a good thing to have. Like having an accountant to do our taxes or a good mechanic we trust to work on our car, someone who specializes in just travel is good to have on our side. In the past, travelers looking for an agent went with someone suggested by a trusted friend or took their chances with an Internet search for one or just stopped by the corner travel agency, fingers crossed.
"Those who are currently featured on our website provide a full representation of their expertise and knowledge, including all their destination and lifestyle certifications, along with photos and biography," added Block. "This enables consumers to select the agent that best matches their individual needs for personalized service that no online travel site can touch."
Travelers can select expert counsel based on biography, experience, destination knowledge, specializations, certifications, awards and even by appearance. Hundreds of travel agent profiles have already been loaded onto the page.
Is this as good as the recommendation from a trusted friend for an agent that has proven themselves? No, not hardly. But surely a step in the right direction, backed by a consortium of travel pros that know what they are doing. Might be worth a shot.
[Flickr photo by hugovk]
"Those who are currently featured on our website provide a full representation of their expertise and knowledge, including all their destination and lifestyle certifications, along with photos and biography," added Block. "This enables consumers to select the agent that best matches their individual needs for personalized service that no online travel site can touch."
Travelers can select expert counsel based on biography, experience, destination knowledge, specializations, certifications, awards and even by appearance. Hundreds of travel agent profiles have already been loaded onto the page.
Is this as good as the recommendation from a trusted friend for an agent that has proven themselves? No, not hardly. But surely a step in the right direction, backed by a consortium of travel pros that know what they are doing. Might be worth a shot.
Filed under: North America, United States, Budget Travel, Internet Tools, Travel Deals
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hydrangea Oct 11th 2012 5:52PM
I've dealt with three different Travel Leaders agents - all horrible. They must teach them that it's far more important to book through "wholesalers" that give them a higher commission than to get a good deal for the client. They push insurance that costs more than the deposit placed. No follow up, despite requests. Beware, especially the New York City offices, they are cheaters..