Bangkok--Sep 30--eTurbo news
(eTurboNews) -- The president of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) Martin Wellings warned travel agents the need for them to "raise their game" to make the holiday-buying experience a good one, an industry chief has said.
Speaking at the annual ABTA conference, held in Florida this year, Wellings said there has been "a sea change" in the buying habits of consumers.
The ABTA president pointed out that consumers are utilizing the services of low-cost airlines, if not booking their accommodations online.
Wellings added that he finds it "quite amazing that there are still travel agencies out there that have no computerization at all, and many of those that do, still do not have free access to emails and the Internet."
"We have to spend more on training so that we can raise our game and make the holiday-buying experience a good one," Wellings urged.
In addition, he pointed out that the ABTA needed to re-position itself "to preserve the best of what we do now and to maintain the profile and confidence we enjoy with consumers."
He also it is essential that travel agents add value to the services they offer.
The ABTA is the UK's foremost association for tour operators and travel agents. Responsible for approximately 85 percent of UK-sold holidays, the association currently has 1043 tour operator and 6356 travel agency offices.
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