ASTINDO Promotes Travel Agents as Travellers' Partners
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO) is promoting travel agents as consultants and partners who can help travellers enjoy safe and comfortable holiday experiences.
“A professional travel agent provides security, from ensuring travel documents are in order and avoiding the risk of fraud, to providing assistance when problems arise during a trip,” said ASTINDO Chairperson Pauline Suharno during a dialogue session held in Jakarta on Friday.
She said that whilst technological developments have brought digital platforms that make travel easier, travel agent services are still needed to help travellers plan safe and comfortable trips efficiently.
According to her, the role of travel agents as intermediaries between travellers and tourism service providers remains necessary.
Pauline noted that planning a trip independently with the help of digital platforms — including searching for flights, choosing hotels and comparing prices — requires considerable time and effort.
“If someone has a high hourly income, the time spent researching a trip on their own can become a cost in itself. That is why many people choose to use a travel agent so their journey is more efficient,” she said.
With their experience and established networks, she continued, travel agents can obtain flight services and accommodation facilities that match travellers’ preferences at more economical prices.
They can help travellers map out their needs and plan various kinds of trips, including family holidays, group travel and business trips.
Pauline gave the example that travel agents can help consumers plan family holidays by selecting services, facilities and tourist attractions that can be enjoyed safely and comfortably by all family members.
With the help of a travel agent, she said, consumers can save time, money and effort in planning and undertaking their journeys.
However, she reminded travellers of the importance of choosing credible, officially licensed travel agents with long operational experience to help plan trips and avoid problems.