Surveys indicate a steady rise in consumers revisiting their travel agents vs booking online. So what could have resulted in this unexpected turn around? And what makes travel agents click vis-a-vis a travel portal?

We took the time to look at some of our most successful agents and see what it is they do so well.

1. Choice
   
   Most consumers get lost in the number of sites to choose from before they can make an informed decision. Travel agents have their preferred set of tried and tested partners, working to form partnerships, offer appropriate choices.  In the background, they evaluate new opportunities as they arise.
   
   
2. Time
   
   Although most travel sites claim convenience, by the time a consumer browses the site and verifies reviews, he or she would have spent ages. On the other hand, a consumer can book a holiday through a travel agent, just by a phone call.  The agents that prosper have excellent in house process and systems to underpin business.
   
   
3. Service
   
   A travel gauge’s a consumer’s personality and customises a holiday that suits his or her requirements, a consumer can always touch base with an agent in case of any travel hitches. Using cute technology to provide extended service is also a prominent characteristic of these successful agents.
   
   
4. Price
   
   Online bookings tend to be more expensive in comparison to bookings done by travel agents, primarily because of hidden costs and a travel agent will most likely be able to match or beat the best online quote offered. They just need the chance to compete.
   
   
5. The Fine Print
   
   Travel agents are accountable.
   
   Most travel sites have a disclaimer written in fine print which is very easy to skip, the importance realised  only after a consumer wants to claim a refund on a holiday. Travel agents inform a consumer of policies prior to a holiday,  eliminating the ambiguity of ‘the fine print’.