‘Bright’ future for travel agents despite internet competition

THE future of independent travel agents in North Yorkshire is bright according to tourism experts after a meeting of more than 40 operators in York.

Fears have been rising in the industry that due to the growth of the internet, many travel agents will be put out of business as holiday-makers book online.

But the consortium Bright (Bringing Real Information & Guaranteed High Quality Training), which is a training and marketing organisation comprised of experts in the tourism industry, insisted there is a strong market in the county.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Following the meeting organised by Bright at the Royal York Hotel, the consortium’s chairman, Hisham Mahmoud, said: “The internet has been a threat to travel agents for the past six or seven years.

“But people still want that human touch and the security of dealing with someone face-to-face. There is a very good future.

“The York meeting was fantastic and we had a very good meeting. We wanted to hold it somewhere that reflects the history and character of the city.”

Mr Mahmoud said travel agents and operators at the dinner and workshop reported a real upturn in inquiries for holiday despite the economic climate continuing to bite.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The event held by Bright, which represents specialist tour operators such as Hayes Travel, American Express, Cox & Kings and Kirker Holidays, is one of 13 meetings being organised nationwide.

For details of future Bright events, contact organiser Colin Sanderson at [email protected] or by telephone on 01329 315492.

Related topics: