Let’s Turn Grey into Black & White

If I were you, the Canadian traveler, I would be completely confused as to who is selling what.  I see ads, hear jingles, click on links and watch video from all kinds of travel providers.

But, who is who?  Who is responsible for what?  Who do I contact if there is an issue, I have to make a change, or GASP, have a question about something.

I want to try and clear it up for you a little.  Make it simple – black & white.  Here we go:

Travel Agents

We are a special bunch.  We have access to all travel products.  For some we get a commission for our sales, others we do not and have to charge a transaction fee.

The key word here is agent.  We are the middle man using our expertise to assist you with your holiday plans.  We are not the tour operator (more below).  We are responsible for reserving your vacation package, flight or cruise.  We are responsible for serving you.

Tour Operators

Here is where it has become very grey in the past couple of years.  Tour Operators arrange package holidays, bus tours, cruise packages that include airfare and more.  Their product has traditionally been sold ONLY through travel agents, but with the emergence of online tools, they also sell directly to the public.

The general problem with them selling directly to the public is that they are not set-up to support the customer as an agent would.  They have access to their companies’ product only, whereas an agent has access to ALL product offered by all tour operators.  Examples of tour operators are Transat Holidays, Sunwing Vacations, Sunquest Vacations and Conquest Vacations.

Stick with an agent.  It’s not about when you book, it is about any kind of support required before, during and after.  An agent will assist you with any changes, cancellations and issues.

Airlines

The actual aircraft operator who flies you from one destination to another.  Examples are Air Canada, WestJet, British Airways, American Airlines, etc…  They all sell their seats directly to you the public without the assistance of an intermediary such as a travel agent.  If you prefer, a travel agent can and will reserve airline tickets for you, most of the time charging a nominal transaction fee.

Hotels

Big grouping here.  From the Holiday Inn to the All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico to the Service Apartment in Malaga, there are plenty of options.  You can book directly or through a travel agent.  Do your research and there are plenty of available tools such as tripadvisor or vibeagent.

How do you choose?  Are you clear on who is who?  Comments welcome…

Related posts:

1. The ABC’s of Travel
2. What Clicks for You?
3. Conquest Vacations shuts down
4. Booking a Cheap Flight or Airline Ticket
5. Riviera Maya Golf Club – Free Green Fees!