Comments on: Travel Agents Adding Value with Zicasso.com http://tourismtechnology.rezgo.com/2008/09/travel-agents-adding-value-with-zicassocom.html Reviews & commentary on travel technology today and tomorrow Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:38:52 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Stephen Joyce http://tourismtechnology.rezgo.com/2008/09/travel-agents-adding-value-with-zicassocom.html/comment-page-1#comment-214 Stephen Joyce Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:13:05 +0000 http://tourismtechnology.rezgo.com/?p=200#comment-214 I think it really depends on the type of travel. Part of the reason why OTAs and supplier direct has become so popular on-line is because travelers can book without having to deal with an intermediary (or so they think). Part of the issue is that travelers, for the most part, don't know that when they are buying from an Expedia, Travelocity, or Orbitz, that they are using a travel agent (albeit without the service or personal touch). The Zicasso model just reinforces my belief that the truly successful agents will be the ones who specialize in a destination or niche market and can offer superior customer service. I think it really depends on the type of travel. Part of the reason why OTAs and supplier direct has become so popular on-line is because travelers can book without having to deal with an intermediary (or so they think). Part of the issue is that travelers, for the most part, don’t know that when they are buying from an Expedia, Travelocity, or Orbitz, that they are using a travel agent (albeit without the service or personal touch). The Zicasso model just reinforces my belief that the truly successful agents will be the ones who specialize in a destination or niche market and can offer superior customer service.

]]> By: Russell Ri http://tourismtechnology.rezgo.com/2008/09/travel-agents-adding-value-with-zicassocom.html/comment-page-1#comment-213 Russell Ri Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:21:37 +0000 http://tourismtechnology.rezgo.com/?p=200#comment-213 With the Internet age entering the travel industry, information has never been this open and easy to have. Unfortunately, this also brings about confusion and inconsistency. Personally, I believe that travelers must always opt to interact with local/ specialized travel agencies mainly because of the more personal service and knowledge they can and should provide to clients. At the same time, there rates would be quite similar to OTA's because all of them are still the same -- agents. Russell www.e-Philippines.com.ph Philippines Adventure Travel and Destinations With the Internet age entering the travel industry, information has never been this open and easy to have. Unfortunately, this also brings about confusion and inconsistency.

Personally, I believe that travelers must always opt to interact with local/ specialized travel agencies mainly because of the more personal service and knowledge they can and should provide to clients. At the same time, there rates would be quite similar to OTA’s because all of them are still the same — agents.

Russell
http://www.e-Philippines.com.ph
Philippines Adventure Travel and Destinations

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