Travel agents popularity is on the increase for the first time in four years, according to the latest Roy Morgan Travel Agents Monitor.

After a decline in popularity in 2007, more than half of Australian travellers booked an overseas holiday with a travel agent in the past 12 months to September.  The slight increase from 53 per cent in December 2010 to 55 per cent currently is still well down on 71 per cent in June 2007, but an increase none the less.

The report looks at how travel agents rate compared to their competitors, showing how the internet has changed the way Australian travellers are booking their holidays.

Long-haul destinations such as Europe, the United States or the Middle East requiring a more complex itinerary encourage people to use a travel agent’s assistance with the booking.

“While travel agents are still a useful tool for those booking a long-haul holiday, those taking a holiday to a short haul destination such as Asia, New Zealand, or the South Pacific continue to move away from travel agents to book their holiday as they become more confident in booking their own flights and accommodation.” Roy Morgan Research International Director of Tourism, Travel & Leisure Jane Ianniello said.