Offline Travel Agents To Enhance Their Influence In The Travel Space!

The travel sector has been booming in India with a significant number of travelers flocking towards national as well as international tourist hotspots.

While earlier, offline travel agencies dominated the entire travel landscape, the entry of millennial into the picture armed with their smart devices has changed the status quo.

Is this assumption true, or is the industry also being affected by the much hyped technological infusion?

There’s little doubt about how offline travel agencies, given their one-to-one interaction format and in-depth industry knowledge, contribute to the travel ecosystem by assisting the holidaymakers in planning their itinerary.

To summarize, Travel agents are likely to remain an integral part of the Travel eco-system for at least the foreseeable future.

How Offline Travel Agents Dominating Current Market Scenario!

Today, travel agencies are figuring out their niche to provide services to travelers.

For instance, in the corporate travel booking space, travel agents have an edge over OTAs as they are able to offer difficult to match or replicate service customization to their corporate clients who generally have extensive and highly specific requirements.

This includes 30 to 45 days of credit extension and adhering to the stringent travel policies that vary from one corporate client to the other.

They also need personalized and round-the-clock communication and can often come up with unexpected changes in itineraries. Without 24×7 human interaction, it is very difficult to cater to such sudden changes.

Similarly, in the leisure travel space, present-day travelers want to explore the destination and have sightseeing tours without wasting time and energy in figuring out logistics, accommodation, bread and breakfast, and so on. In order to address this issue, travel agencies handcraft a trip that is tailored to the traveler’s exacting needs !

What Are the Pros And Cons Of Offline Travel Agencies.

ProsCons
Enhanced Services
Given that online agencies typically operate on a self-service model, there is merit in the assertion that offline agencies provide superior services. Offline travel agencies excel in trip planning, especially when it involves intricate routings or comprehensive travel arrangements encompassing various modes of transport, accommodations, and leisure activities. This capability sets them apart from their online counterparts.
Less Efficient:-
While offline agencies can streamline the process of booking complex trips involving multiple providers, they may not offer the same efficiency for routine travel arrangements. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) provide easy access to all necessary information, enabling swift and efficient trip booking. Conversely, relying on offline agents for everyday travel needs might introduce delays and inefficiencies compared to managing travel plans independently.
More Personal
In our increasingly digital world, the shift towards prioritizing online interactions is undeniable. However, amidst this trend, the invaluable aspect of face-to-face communication remains irreplaceable.
This is a fundamental advantage offered by offline agencies, where the personal touch of in-person meetings enhances the experience of booking travel and crafting tailored corporate travel programs. Additionally, for travel agencies, direct interaction facilitates a deeper understanding of travelers’ preferences and enables better accommodation of their needs.

Less technology-forward:-
While offline travel agencies do utilize technology such as GDS to facilitate bookings, it’s evident that traditional brick-and-mortar agencies may not be as technologically advanced as their online counterparts. Unlike their digital counterparts, they don’t necessarily depend on technology or maintain a speedy website to assist in travel arrangements. Given their reliance on external systems for the majority of their operations, there hasn’t been a pressing need to prioritize a cutting-edge online presence.
It Is More Inclusive
In this article, our primary focus is on business travel; however, it’s important to acknowledge the inclusivity offered by offline travel agencies.
According to a study conducted by the UN’s ICT agency, approximately 37% of the global population, accounting for 2.9 billion individuals, have never accessed the Internet.
Consequently, in underdeveloped regions, offline travel agencies play a vital role in catering to this segment of the population.
Not As Flexible:-
When dealing with a traditional brick-and-mortar travel agency, you’re constrained by their operating hours when arranging your business travel. If you find yourself needing to plan your trip late at night, you’ll likely have to wait until the following business day to finalize your arrangements.

Also Read: How To Develop A Travel Business Through Sales And Marketing Alignment

However, such sweeping changes require sometimes relatively large initial capital investment. They could be better served through sources that provide easy and unsecured funding opportunities and with convenient repayment options such as Indifi.

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