High Street travel agents back in favour

The Association of British Travel Agents has just published the findings of its 2012 consumer travel trends survey, which showed a significant jump in bookings through agents over the last three years. At the same time, it has recorded a dramatic drop in consumers booking DIY holidays direct with airlines and hotels.

Claire Moore, manager of Shrewsbury’s only independent family-owned travel agents, Peakes Travel Elite, based in Mardol, Shrewsbury, welcomed the news and said that it reflected the increase in demand for her firm’s services.

“The shift can be put down to confusion about the sheer extent of choice on the internet, coupled with increasing concerns among consumers about being properly protected and financially secure when travelling,” explained Claire, whose agency celebrated its 20th anniversary this year.

She said that the percentage of people booking a foreign holiday through a high street travel agent had grown from 17% in 2010, to 25% in 2011 and 27% in 2012, figures which were borne out by the growth in business at Peakes.

“Furthermore, the percentage of people booking a domestic holiday through a high street travel agent such as ours has almost doubled in a year, which is a very pleasing statistic.” She added.

Summing up, Claire said: “Being totally independent and fully ABTA protected, our clients have peace of mind knowing that our staff have the experience and knowledge in both mainstream and long haul holidays, to help and support them during troubled times when ash clouds or adverse weather conditions can affect their travel plans.

“Surprisingly, the younger generation of consumer seems to be our biggest fans, with the survey showing that 45% of 15-24 year olds valued the services of a travel agent, up from 30% in 2011. More than half - 52% - of this age group also believe that travel agents are good at finding what customers need, up from 36% in 2011,” she said.