Andrew Rowdon sees the personal touch as the future for Travel Agents
Andrew Rowdon sees the personal touch as the future for Travel Agents
Andrew Rowdon sees the personal touch as the future for Travel Agents
Andrew Rowdon ‘UK Travel Agent of the year finalist 2007’ has opened Andrew Rowdon Travel in Felixstowe and sees the travel agency of the future as a virtual office that travels to customers and schedules personal appointments to suit their requirements.
Andrew Rowdon comments: “Anyone entering the travel industry today would do things very differently to when I joined; successful businesses are completely dependent upon excellent relationships so it makes sense to get close to your customers. Forcing them to visit your premises on your terms is no longer an ideal situation, the internet has brought information into the home and that is what people have come to expect, but it will only offer you what it wants to sell. Offering that knowledge to people in their home from a real person makes all the difference, customers will receive more guidance, choice and better value for money”.
Andrew has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry and recently took the decision to set up his own travel agency, this time with a new approach and a vision for the future. The agency will specialise in a wide range of holidays from short breaks and tailor-made itineraries to weddings and honeymoons, even offering wedding lists for those who would like family and friends to contribute to the honeymoon costs. Local support has been extremely positive and already Andrew has been signed up to write a monthly travel article for the Flyer and has the possibility of a regular slot on travel, with Felixstowe Radio.
Andrew’s top 5 tips of being a successful Travel Agent
*Honesty, good manners and good old-fashioned service are fundamental when dealing with clients.
*Knowledge and experience gives people confidence that they are in good hands.
*It is vital that you listen and understand what type of holiday a client actually wants.
*Exceeding a clients expectations by making recommendations and giving good advice will always bring you repeat business.
*After service is paramount – A holiday is about helping clients from the time they make an enquiry, to the time they return from their holiday.
