Dear TA’s

Have your clients dust off their passports! Leisure travel to Europe is closer to reality after the EU’s recent decision to relax some of the regulations regarding tourism travel for visitors from outside the EU, and ambassadors have agreed to allow fully vaccinated visitors in.

Changes were also made to the criteria for nations to be considered a “safe country,” from which incoming tourists can travel.  At this time though, it is still unclear when the welcome mat will be fully rolled out.

The strict measures imposed last year to contain COVID-19 outbreaks have been eased. Now, the European Commission has said entry should be granted to all those fully vaccinated with EU-authorized vaccinations. These immunizations are those produced by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.  Though it has been recommended that certain restrictions should been eased, some EU countries have not formally approved this measure yet.

An updated list of countries that meet the new vaccination criteria is expected soon, and many experts expect the United States to make the next cut. Until now, the list of countries from which travel is permitted includes seven nations: Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and China. There is also an “emergency brake” plan which will stop dangerous virus variants from entering the EU which can be quickly enacted if infection rates rise in a non-EU country. There is also the possibility that new entry measures will also include PCR tests or quarantines.

These new measures are expected to prop up the EU’s tourism industry and help recover some income over the peak summer season. Greece has already lifted quarantine restrictions for the U.S., Britain, Israel, and other non-EU countries as negotiations between governments and EU lawmakers to introduce COVID-19 certificates aimed at facilitating travel across the region this summer continue.  Greece has reopened to international tourists and no quarantine is required for vaccinated Americans

Cheers and have a safe trip!

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Dear TA’s,

Before the pandemic, travel agents’ job prospects were declining, thanks to online travel agencies making it easier for travelers to handle their own arrangements. Now,  it feels as if the role of a travel advisor has a new relevance. Many travelers who have previously booked their own travel are turning to travel agents to assist with their upcoming vacations. The pandemic has led to a feeling of uncertainty, and constantly changing rules and policies have left travelers unsure of navigating the post-Covid travel world on their own. They are now seeking the expertise of a travel advisor to guide them through the process.

After a year during which so many travelers were burned, it just makes sense! Travel advisors are advocates for their clients. They provide travelers with advice and guidance based on their experience, knowledge, and industry insight. A recent survey indicates that 33 percent of travelers anticipated an increase in their use of travel advisors because of the pandemic.  Even a demographic who was not likely to use an agent in the past (travelers aged from 18 to 38), say they are more likely to book upcoming travels through an agent.

People often seek the advice of a professional when they are making  big purchases such as homes or cars. Travel can be one of the largest expenses people have in a year. If there is a possibility of borders closing or flights being canceled, there is a feeling of safety knowing that your travel advisor is on top of issues that might affect you, and is working to reschedule your trip or get your money back.

Travel agencies across the country are already seeing unprecedented levels of interest. Business is booming for agencies because of pent-up demand for travel, combined with  confusion caused by complexities involved with traveling right now. It seems that travelers feel safer booking with an agency that will provide the latest travel safety information, can change or cancel tickets if necessary and help get them home if a problem arose. 

This does put additional strain on the agent. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and regulations, some itineraries require frequent changes. Some borders have not reopened as planned, and ever-changing travel restrictions affect a destination’s ability to welcome incoming travelers.  Add to that, calming the nerves of clients traveling for the first time since the pandemic – the job of an agent has become more challenging than ever before.

It’s a challenging yet exciting time to be in the travel field.  Especially for agents who are dedicated to their clients and making sure they get the most out of their travels.

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Dear TA’s,

As I have said before, get ready to be busy booking trips in 2021. I am sure many of you travel agents/advisors are already working overtime. Clients are eager to travel and many of them haven’t been anywhere in over a year. Many travelers, especially the savvy ones who use travel agents, believe that going back to traveling will be like going back to riding a bicycle.

Well, they may be surprised when they find out that it may take a lot longer to check into a hotel. If they find that the room is in a little noisier location of the building or they’re disturbed by the sound of another family upstairs, changing rooms may not be as easy as it was before Covid due to new hotel regulations. It’s very important to teach your client to speak up and get another room, and not let that be an inconvenience for their vacation. If frustrated, your client may reach out to you, but certainly him/her that they can get a better solution in person than you could so far away by phone. So, prepare your client and let them know how to deal with this, and other situations.

When eating at restaurants now, reservations are the name of the game. Make sure they know that the best places (not necessarily the most expensive) need reservations sometimes months ahead at prime time for all meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner. For those who (like me) enjoy looking at the menu over and over, have them satisfy their curiosity now by downloading the menu onto their phone and check it there as often as they like. Some restaurants still give you (if you ask, and if they still have) a disposable or laminated paper menu. Food cannot be sent back to the kitchen. So, it is smart to remind clients of this information.

By having a good night’s sleep and good meals, most of the vacation is guaranteed; and for that, a travel agent can guide their clients. In terms of weather, it is hard to predict when it is going to rain or shine.

Another factor for a great vacation is the company the client chooses to travel with. Well, in that, no one else has any say! LOL!

Cheers,

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Dear TAs,

Now that vaccines are going into arms and travel is beginning to resume, it’s time for travelers to begin to think about their impact on the environment, and how they can travel more sustainably.  We saw earth’s temperatures reduce as result of people staying put for an extended period of time – which may have your clients already wondering how they can travel more responsibly. In fact, It is time for us all to think about travel differently. We need to stop thinking just about what our own personal experience is going to be – and start looking at the impact of our experience on the ground, on the destination and in the communities we visit.

There have been many newsworthy stories lately regarding overcrowding, climate change, and unfair working conditions in the travel and tourism industry. You can advise your clients how to have a wonderful trip while being mindful of their own global footprint.

There are several different “sustainability” certification labels in use, each with their own criteria and little enforcement. Of course, saying your company is green is not the same as taking the necessary steps to ensure that your business practices are green.  There is a lot more to it than simply reusing the towels in a hotel room or paying for a carbon offset for a flight. “Sustainable travel” means a different thing in different places, because of each country’s unique location, climate, and people. There are more than 230 travel organizations that have joined the Tourism Declares initiative, members of which have pledged to publish a climate action plan and cut their carbon emissions. If a company is classified as a “B Corporation” — they meet a rigorous sustainability standard that’s not limited to the tourism industry.

The time to ask questions about sustainable travel is before booking.  Tour operators, hotels and the actual destination should make their stance on sustainability clear with an obvious statement on their websites.  Some things travelers should consider:

• Does the money they spend end up in the local economy? Are locals hired as tour guides? Are hotels sourcing food locally?
• Are your clients traveling during a peak time where cities can become overcrowded, putting additional stress on local resources, or wear and tear on historic or natural sites?
• When flying, clients should choose a long-haul flight to the destination, and then choose trains or other less-polluting ways to get around, even if cheap short-haul flights are readily available.

Rules that all travelers should follow when going anywhere include:

• Hire local guides
• Ask permission before taking photos of people
• Stay on designated trails in natural areas
• Think twice about handing out money to children
• Call out waste or abuse when they see it

The world is reopening for exploration. If we all take the necessary steps towards traveling sustainably, we will leave our destinations a better place for travelers who come later, and for the people who call these places home.

Cheers,

Follow me at:
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Instagram @travelwithrosana
Blogs @www.travelwithrosana.com