THE VISIT

This was a very intense day!

Our teacher invited two travel agents to come to the school for a talk. During their time with us, they told us everything about their job. It was really interesting, we want to thank them because we were able to really learn more about what they do and how travel agencies work.

This is a summary of what we learnt:

A travel agency is a business that offers trips for tourists; museums, hotels, restaurants… etc.

Types of travel agencies:

• Wholesalers (Tour operators): Agencies that sell their products only through other travel agencies.
• Retail travel agencies: Agencies that sell travel services directly to the public, and act on their behalf to book and purchase holiday packages, travel, accommodation, tours and so on.
• Wholesale/Retail agencies: Agencies that function as both, a wholesaler and a retailer.

Another classification would be:

• Outgoing: Agencies whose customers want to go out of their own country.
• Incoming: Agencies whose customers (non-resident visitors) come to our country, so they organize ther visits and activities.
• Outgoing/Incoming: Agencies that take care of both.

• Specialized agencies: Agencies that focus on specific types of trips (English courses, sport events...)

A third classification would be:

• Online agencies: Agencies that operate through an online booking service, without a physical office.

• Implant agencies: Agency’s division located directly at a buyer’s premises.

Functions of travel agencies:

1. Travel Information: A retail travel agency provides necessary travel information for the general public.
2. Preparation of Itineraries: A tourist journey involves preparation of different types of itineraries. There are different means of transport with their respective advantages and disadvantages. A travel agent advises the potential tourist to choose the most convenient itinerary.
3. Coordination with Service Providers: A travel agent should maintain constant contact with the providers of various services like transport companies, hotel managers and providers of road transport like vehicles to and from the airport, to the hotel, for sightseeing purposes...
4. Ticketing: Selling tickets to tourists for different means of transport.
5. Provision of Foreign Currencies: The travel agent will arrange for the purchase of foreign exchange on behalf of his intending travellers.
6. Insurance: Personal insurance in case of accidents or luggage loss.

The documents that the travel agency usually work with are:

• Train tickets (Different discounts, golden card...)
• Plane tickets (Boarding pass...)
• Cruise tickets
• Hotel reservations (Full board, half board...)
• Insurance documents
• Car rentals
• Paperwork (such as invoices, contracts...)

Finally, we would like to show you only a few of the many questions we asked them:

Q. How do you feel when you sell a trip?

A. We feel very pleased because is a nice experience for the customers.

Q. What would happen if someone gets sick during the trip?

A. If they had paid for travel insurance, it covers doctor and hospital bills while they are away.

Q. What qualifications are required to become a travel agent?

A. In order to run an agency you should study a degree in tourism.

Q. What happens if a flight is cancelled?

A. If your flight, for which you hold a valid reservation, is cancelled, you are entitled to re-routing, personal attention, full refund and compensation.

Q. What percentage of commision do agents usually receive?

A. A very small percentage, depending on the destination.

Q. What is the most popular destination?

A. Cruises are very popular nowadays. Ten years ago, it was very expensive to go on a cruise, but now, it is much cheaper.