Ash cloud has silver lining for travel agents

Good evening

Please find attached and below a media release from the Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) regarding fallout from the recent Icelandic ash eruption.
Ash cloud has silver lining for travel agents

The recent chaos caused by the Icelandic volcanic eruption is having a positive effect on travel agents, Chief Executive of the Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) Paul Yeo says.

“Despite the confusion and difficulties faced by everyone, travellers increasingly turned to their travel agent for advice and assistance in arranging alternative travel plans. Agents worked long and hard to juggle itineraries and rebook air and land arrangements for their customers demonstrating the value of the service they provide”.

“Sadly, many people who made their arrangements direct, often over the internet with low cost airlines, have found that it can be a long and involved process when you’re required to fix the problem yourself.”

The crisis has made many people realise the value of using a travel professional and the pitfalls in doing things yourself when things go wrong, he says.

“It is times like these when the TAANZ slogan “without a travel agent you are on your own” strikes a chord with many consumers” says Mr Yeo.

TAANZ congratulates the travel industry on doing a wonderful job during the past few weeks and acknowledges the support given by airlines and the travel insurance industry in providing agents and their customers with information on what options were available to them.

“The travel agents of New Zealand have demonstrated their value in times of crisis and

they should also be congratulated for being at the front line to help as much as possible with consumer enquiries,” says Mr Yeo.

Another positive outcome is that consumers will now be more aware of the benefits of travel insurance.

“Those travellers with travel insurance have been less inconvenienced – and possibly more importantly – less worried about their travel plans than those without. No-one should travel without it.”

“The ash cloud, or similar natural or man-made disasters will reappear at some stage and cause problems for everyone and travel agents will once again be the saviour for many stressed travellers” he says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media