I participated in a twitter chat yesterday about the benefit of using a travel advisor. I answered all the queries posed by @TWtravelnews on their monthly travel chat on twitter, #twchats. While I was a little tardy posting my responses to the live chat, I thought after the fact that my responses kind of summarized who I am, and why I do what I do. I thought I’d share them here.
Q1: What three words describe your #travel niche? #twchats
A1: service, luxury, Disney
Q2: What is the most popular type of trip your clients are requesting in 2013?
A2: experiences not packages
yes RT @GAdv_Lucas: @jeannewmanglock Adventure travel is one of the fastest growing segments of the industry. #twchats #fact @gAdventures
Q3: Why do travelers need a #TravelAgent? 140 characters or less! #twchats
A3: hire a professional ow.ly/mQpS5
true RT @CPMichelle: A3: Why spend 4 weeks planning a 4 day #vacation when you can call a #TravelAgent who will do it for you? #twchats
I say advisor (putting focus on client, not supplier) RT @dvClicks: Q3 because agents are representing client’s needs not resort, air or…
yes RT @CSeddelmeyer: Q3-now more than ever, clients need a true advocate #twchats
yes RT @MargieTravels: Travel agents have knowledge of sales before they’re announced to the consumer. #twchats
yes! RT @CruzTravelLady: @CruiseBuzz A3. To be their advocate before, during and after their travel. Not just an order taker. #twchats
yes! intuition not data! RT @Tauck_Chris: Q3 person, not computer, will help you create truly memorable, life-enriching experience #TWchats
Q4: What are the most important qualities of a great travel agent? #twchats
A4: provides great value
I say PITA x2 ow.ly/mQr1v RT @CruzTravelLady: Q4: What are the most important qualities of a great travel agent? #twchatsbeing available and being a listener RT @Virtuoso: What are the most important qualities of a great travel agent? #twchats #VirtuosoWk
PITA 1 – saves you the pain in the a$# RT @CruzTravelLady: Q4: What are the most important qualities of a great travel agent? #twchats
PITA 2 – gives you pleasure in advisor – can VIP you, advocate RT @CruzTravelLady: Q4: most impt qualities of a great travel agent? #twchats
doesn’t take no for answer! RT @TravelBestBets: Q4. What are the most important qualities of a great rebel agent to you? #TWchats
Q5: define ur role, +do u think it’s changed over the years? #twchats
A5: advisor (repres client) not agent (repres supplier)
dream orchestrator RT @cheriewei: @Virtuoso I use a Virtuoso agent to ensure my vacation investment will meet my standards #twchats
u drown in internet info RT @dvClicks: Q5 TA no longer keeper of all info but the source to sort through and find the right product #twchats
to safeguard their family memories! RT @Virtuoso: Why do travelers need a #luxurytravel agent? 140 characters or less! #twchats
yes RT @vacationshari: A5. Building & keeping relationships are more key than ever. “Internet tells the PRICE of anything and the VALUE
just cause you can research on internet how to take out your appendix doesn’t mean you should! RT @jeannewmanglock: #TWchats
Q6: What trip have you booked that was most memorable — for you or for the client? #twchats
A6: surprise Disney trips
Q7: What technology tools do you use daily, and why? #twchats
A7: socmed – it’s how I connect w clients and suppliers
Q8. When you travel you always bring_____ along? #TWchats
A8: camera! cell phone!
1/2 clothes, 2x money. RT @Virtuoso: I always tell my clients to bring ____ with them on their travels. #twchats #VirtuosoWk
Q9: How do you welcome your clients home? Favorite form of follow up? #twchats
A9: postcard and call
phone call, email,welcome home postcard RT @Virtuoso: How do you welcome your clients home? Favorite form of follow up? #twchats #VirtuosoWk
Q10. What is your absolute favorite destination and why?…
A10: venice – you KNOW you’re somewhere different RT @TravelBestBets:
Q11: What has been the smartest question a client has asked you (and what was your answer)? #twchats
A11: why use a travel advisor? because I’m ur advocate +can VIP u @Virtuoso: What has been smartest question client asked u #twchats #VirtuosoWk
why use me? pita x2 RT @TWtravelnews: experiential active travel RT @Virtuoso: #travelagents – most popular type of trip your clients are requesting in 2013? #twchats #VirtuosoWk
Thanks @TWtravelnews and #twchats for giving me the opportunity to formulate my thoughts. It was great fun!
And I hope all those who wish to experience my services first hand will reach out!
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
613-837-0699