Professionals are an extremely important part of the travel equation! Our world has become a very complicated place and individuals are lucky to be knowledgeable in their own area of expertise much less having to assume responsibilities for their own travel. Yet, employees in both the corporate and government sectors, whether they travel weekly or once a year, are now required to become ‘travel agents’.
Today travel agency selection is probably the most important decision made by any individual. The tools-of-the-trade and enhancements are updated daily and training takes place on a scheduled basis, but it takes years to really know the industry! The GDS is just a tool, garbage-in, garbage-out. What counts is knowing how to maneuver within the system and how to make the system work for you.
Experienced travel professionals know how to use the GDS of choice in such a way as to achieve top performance. They can guide their customers in a consultative manner so they too can benefit from maximum utilization.
So the next time there is an opportunity for you to decide whether or not you need someone to guide you, your corporation or agency thru the maze of worldwide travel, take a second look at the person or people with whom you are going to work. This could be as important a decision as finding the right doctor, dentist or insurance agent.
Remember…this could be the beginning of a great partnership that will last a long, long time!
By Linda Colvos