SYDNEY – Travel agents are never more valuable than in times of crisis and there is no greater example of this than the current Covid-19 outbreak when the world of travel is in turmoil.
Luxury travel agent group Virtuoso has been reaching out to its members to gather the best possible advice for travellers who are wavering about whether they should travel at this time – or stay home.
“COVID-19 is a global concern for tourism businesses but trusted advisors with years of first-hand experience, strong industry relationships and access to real-time information can help people navigate this crisis and make the best possible decisions,” says Virtuoso Asia Pacific managing director Michael Londregan.
“It’s in times of crisis that the value of travel advisors, and particularly our expert advisors in the Virtuoso network, comes to the fore. They can collaborate and help guide you through this exceptionally complex travel landscape,” he added.
Mr Londregan said facts were getting mixed in with lots of misinformation, “so having a great advisor in your corner as a strong advocate for you and who can help you make decisions that align with your own personal needs, brings a great deal of assurance”.
Virtuoso travel agency members have come together to provide their best advice for people with 2020 travel plans and while the comments are from Virtuoso agent members, the advice they offer is of great value to industry colleagues – and their clients - everywhere.
Anthony Goldman - Goldman Travel Group
“We have clients who we see rushing to make decisions before they need to, and before all the relevant facts have been revealed. So, if you've got plans, you've made bookings and you're concerned about global travel uncertainty, make decisions based on the timeline, not the headline.
“We are working with our clients on aligning decision-making to the relevant terms and conditions - if you don't need to decide now, why make a decision that could see you missing out on a trip you had planned?”
Melinda Gregor - Gregor Lewis Bespoke Travel
“The best cruise companies have been very generous in allowing clients flexibility in order to move or postpone their cruise. These cruise companies want both the travel agency and the clients to stay loyal to their brands, so working together we are delivering good outcomes from rethinking current plans.”
Sharyn Kitchener - Mosman Travel
“There is no reason to stop travelling – you still deserve it. If you've planned to go to a destination but feel you can't, think about what it was about that destination that made you choose it. Was it a great cultural immersion, the adventure, a place to relax and unwind? A great advisor can help you discover a similar experience in a new destination - cancel the destination, not the holiday.”
Tina Killeen - Spencer Travel
“Right now, there is a lot of room to move with airlines around rebooking, credit and cancellation fees and knowing how to navigate this takes a lot of experience and understanding of the fine print.”
Claudia Rossi Hudson – Managing Director Mary Rossi Travel
“We are getting calls from some people who have booked themselves and are struggling to understand all the cancellation terms and conditions. Don’t feel too embarrassed to reach out to a travel advisor. We never want to see someone's travel dream die just because they didn’t get the right guidance, support or advice at the outset.”