Travel Counsellors founder and Chairman David Speakman talks about his views on the future of travel and why Travel Counsellors are going from strength to strength amidst an industry where many are still feeling the economic impact.
“Last year the doom and gloom of the Irish financial crisis was exacerbated by uncertainty. Everyone knew someone who had been affected and in those early days it seemed as though life would never be the same, and that the travel industry, as a discretionary purchase, was going to be affected most.
“Last year was a time for belief that it was not as bad as it appeared, and you had hope that by adapting and working a little harder and smarter then all would be well.
“Twelve months later and, while booking patterns have changed, Travel Counsellors Ireland is certainly bucking the trend, and is in line to have an increase of 5% to 10% and at present each agent on average is 7% up.
“Those agents who will be successful will be the ones who focus on relationships over transaction, treating customers as they themselves would want to be treated and always having the highest standards of customer service. This is the foundation of our business at Travel Counsellors. Our agents have decided to run their own businesses, they believe in giving that extra while always realising that they are out of step with what is believed to be the norm in travel.
“At our Irish conference we will discuss the past year and explain how our agents can move forward and accept these challenges, knowing that they are surmountable.
“I firmly believe that travel agents who offer care, integrity, professionalism and the ‘wow’ factor will always be winners.”
