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What to look for in a Travel Agent
Your choice of Travel Agent can determine the outcome of your holiday. Overseas travel is expensive and we all want value for our money.
Travel Agencies can be found in most suburban shopping malls, in the city and in most country towns.
The South African Travel Industry has become very competitive with many new Travel Agencies having opened up recently. As with any type of business, some of these new agencies will thrive, others will fold.
The small independent Travel Agent is finding it hard to survive and to be competitive in today's
market without forming alliances with other Travel Agents as well as preferred suppliers. Franchises such as Harvey World and consortiums such as Sure Travel have become the norm. These groups can consolidate their buying power to get better prices and commission overrides. The benefit of this buying power is passed onto the consumer.A good Travel Agent provides its customers with a full service and will book flights, search out the best airfare, organize visas and insurance, and order foreign exchange. The will also book tours, hotels and cars. The staff will have traveled extensively overseas and will make recommendations based on their experience.
When choosing a Travel Agent - make sure that they are IATA (International Air Transport Association) appointed as well as members of ASATA (Association Of Southern African Travel Agents).
IATA will only appoint agents to issue air tickets on behalf of member airlines if an agency meets their minimum staffing and financial criteria.
Membership of ASATA carries with it a strict Code of Conduct. Agencies are required to submit financial statements annually. ASATA serves as the Industry watchdog and the public should contact them, should they experience any difficulty with their travel arrangements
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