The Atlantic Magazine Asks: “Who Uses A Travel Agent In This Day And Age?”
by Richard D'AmbrosioPhoto: Whatshappening
Travel agents are the talk of consumer media these days. The Atlantic recently interviewed an industry veteran as it explored the past, present and future of the travel agent profession.
A highly regarded magazine with 400,000 readers, The Atlantic asked associate editor Bourree Lam to interview Balboa Travel corporate travel agent Kerl Commock in Orlando about her work, her view of the changes in travel during her 30+ years as an agent, and how consumers perceive travel agents and the value they deliver.
Lam, who previously was editor of Freakonomics.com, introduces her piece quoting the now-familiar declining travel agent employment figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But she juxtaposes those numbers against the recent study by the American Society of Travel Agents showing increased consumer use of agents.
Commock says consumers are waking up to the fact that life throws curveballs, and when travel changes on the fly, or something changes a traveler’s plans, consumers realize just how much they need a good agent.
“We have that added value that we’re going to help them beyond that ticket, if there’s an issue or weather delay. You’re not just purchasing a ticket—you’re purchasing our services,” Commock said.
