Promoting the Larger concept of Travel Advisors, going beyond the older understanding of being an Agent
At the initial career stage, individuals entering the travel and tourism sector often encounter challenges in establishing a distinct professional identity. The designation “agent” within this industry is broad and subject to various interpretations. With minimal barriers to entry, many entities have joined the field, being identified as agents, despite lacking an adequate understanding of the ethical complexities required for legitimate operations. Anybody can become an agent, as has been the case all this while. You only need a visiting card to print. There have been cases where there is no address; with modern day convenience, all you need is a mobile number, not even as landline.
President, TAFI
Such organizations, that are driven primarily by rapid transactions, are none at all, with scant regard to the real contours of the real business, do not align with the standards of a genuine agency, which is the basic requisite of modern day demands in travel and tourism.
With this yawning gap in mind, professionals are increasingly opting for titles such as Travel Advisor or Travel Consultant to better reflect their expertise and responsibilities. At TAFI, we recognise these evolving dynamics and are actively engaging with industry stakeholders to prioritise comprehensive knowledge and quality service over short-term gains. We are therefore encouraging the use of terminologies such as these, as opposed to carrying on being agents. Let us say, our agents are much more than agents.
Towards this end, TAFI has been undertaking initiatives that foster greater and more meaningful collaboration among the diverse stakeholders, aiming to formulate policies that benefit our growing community of Travel Advisors and consumers alike. Members are also encouraged to use disclaimers to protect themselves from potential shortcomings in third-party services.
As a member of the World Travel Agents Alliance (WTAAA), TAFI benefits from valuable global insights. There has been a notable shift internationally from stakeholder advocacy towards a consumer-centric approach, with an increasing emphasis on monetising the value-added services travel advisors provide. Increasingly again, this world has gone much beyond ticketing, which indeed had been the main business in the years gone by. There is professionalism, knowledge and technology that has come into play.
One of the services that our membership provides, is Visa facilitation services, which continues to play a critical role, in educating and servicing the customer. And TAFI is collaborating with providers to conduct seminars across its regional presence. These sessions aim to educate Travel Advisors on the intricacies of visa procedures and the range of services available, thereby reducing violations and inefficiencies. This has been one of the areas that we have focussed upon.
While outbound travel and tourism have traditionally been central to TAFI members’ operations, the association recognises the growing significance of domestic tourism. Most members significantly contribute to promoting both niche and mainstream destinations for tours, MICE, weddings, and other travel segments. With the increasing numbers opting for discovering India, around the four corners of our great country, we have introduced educational tours into destinations and states in collaboration with concerned agencies.
This pronounced emphasis on travel advisors, does not mean we are opposed to the term ‘agents’, it just that we have seen cases that anybody and everybody calls themselves ‘AGENTS’, while the business has gone beyond. This shift in emphasis in only to emphasise the complexity and seriousness of our endeavour. It is a shift in emphasis.
In our membership drive, as we work towards getting more and more serious ones among our community, we would not label them at all, either which way, as with new members being admitted into TAFI, we are therefore ensuring due diligence is done and documents and undertakings must be submitted before confirming membership. Our reputation is at stake as travel advisors. It is important for TAFI to ensure the highest standards in the business.
‘Agent’ no longer a preferred description, as there is a specialisation, which once attained elevates you to an advisor or consultant, just based on the knowledge acquired, to confirm to all activities of the Travel and tourism ecosystem. Globally, there is a certification that has come around, which after a few weeks, or even over an intense weekend, attendees are provided knowledge on destinations and given accreditation as being empowered to sell that given destination.
In the older order, the ‘Agent’ would mean merely take a product from a stakeholder and then passing it further on, with or without any consideration, mots times being just the delivery boy.
