Travel Advisors are in a service industry and we succeed or fail based on not only what we do for our clients but how we treat them as we help plan and execute their trips. In addition, Travel Advisors are currently enjoying a prominent place in the industry and in the eyes of the consumer as the public is once again looking to us for help and guidance.
Even the consumer press has been praising the services that travel advisors provide when online firms fail to come to the aid of their clients.
Realistic Expectations
We are in a service industry and we succeed or fail based on not only what we do for our clients but how we treat them as we help plan and execute their trips.
Communicating and setting realistic expectations is essential in getting the end results to be positive and the clients to return again and again. Preparing your clients for what to expect is of the utmost importance. When expectations are met or exceeded, everyone smiles. I know that these statements sound simple but we all know that daunting tasks lie in front of you today as you work through all the rebookings, cancellations and more rebookings.
Asking Questions
Communication begins with asking the right questions to make sure that you understand your clients’ desires. Next comes the task of communicating the options that meet the needs of your clients. Once they book, you need to cover the projections and expectations of the plans various destinations present. This is crucial to the success of the trip, and ultimate success of your relationship with your clients.
Lastly, you need to follow up with your clients to make sure that everything went well. All of these communication touch points are important to maintain the best relationship with your clients.
Setting a Good Example
One thing we also need to do is set a good example for our clients and get out and travel. We now have an opportunity to be trendsetters and come back with real-time information about what you experienced at the airports, in the hotels and restaurants, and while sightseeing. You can then paint a positive picture for your clients and instill the confidence that they need to plan and book their next vacation.
