What does it take to bee a good travel consultant?
Introduce
The article “The Travel Consultant of Tomorrow” tells us about the changes in traveling after Covid-19, emphasizing the importance of safety and stress-free traveling. It highlights the importance of travel consultants, their ability to empathize with travellers, as well as the importance of technology development and utilizing AI. The article points out, how fast things can change, how we need to develop with technology and this fast-growing industry, making it relevant for our Study Unit. As a former travel consultant, I found it particularly interesting to look into how this role has transformed during and after Covid-19.
Findings
Traveling is changing
The world of traveling has changed a lot, especially during and after Covid-19. While travellers still want to travel, planning and booking trips has become harder now, due to new restrictions, quarantine and visa requirements and increased border controls. Nowadays, travellers expect more support and safety from their travel consultants. Getting the latest information, help in solving problems and smoother travel experiences. (Amadeus 2011, 7, 10.) It’s clear that travelling has changed in the past, not only due to Covid-19, but also for other global reasons. In my experience, planning and booking trips hasn’t become harder than before, but it has become more expensive for sure. Some aspects of the text seem outdated. Quarantines are no longer a requirement, but you can never know if it comes back. It is still important to remember, that global pandemics or conflicts can occur and continue to create some restrictions
Technology as a part of traveling
Technology is a big part of traveling, and it has been developing in a speed like never before, from booking platforms to digital assistants, artificial intelligence (AI) and robots. The new, smarter developments and AI promise more efficient experiences for travellers. (Amadeus 2011, 4, 6.) But can AI or technology ever truly replace the empathy and warmth of human interaction? AI is a surely a powerful tool in the future of the traveling industry, making personalized recommendations and solving issues, but I feel that human interaction, understanding and excitement cannot be replaced by any technology, the heart will still be in customer service.
Knowledge of technology
With the new technology comes new opportunities, travel agencies need to adapt to stay competitive. It is important for travel agencies and consultants to grow with the technology, rather than the technology outgrowing them. Travel consultants need to be creative, problem-solving and have negotiation skills, they also need to have some knowledge about apps and programming. It is good for travel agencies to know about coding, data analysis, digital marketing and other travel technology tools. (Amadeus 2011, 5, 8, 12.) I agree with the importance to stay up to date with technology, particularly in business. By being up to date, we can improve our operations and avoid being left behind. However, it is still important to remain empathetic and put us in the shoes of our traveller, supporting the feeling of warmth and safety that human interaction can provide. Nowadays, to have a strong knowledge of technology is becoming more and more beneficial, and I think it can be easier to get a new job. Balancing the two of these is pivotal.
Conclusion
By understanding and accepting the importance of both technology and the human interaction in essential in today’s travel. To be able to have these two in a good balance, will make your business competitive and flourishing. When I was a travel consultant, the world of cell phones was ruled by keyphones, so there was no smartphones, nor apps. In today’s world it is important for travel agencies to have apps and direct message platforms, to keep it simple for the travellers. It is nice to see that the world is developing, and the travel industry is developing with it!
References
Amadeus. 2021. The Travel Consultant of Tomorrow. Accessed on 6.9.2024
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