Travel Experts Featured in the American Society of Travel Agents' Film "Travel Agents Taking Off"

28/09/2016 12:11

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Raleigh hometown success story Travel Experts, Inc. will debut in a new series called "Travel Agents Taking off" to premier at the American Society of Travel Agents' Global Convention later today. This event brings travel professionals nationwide together for a four day education event and Travel Experts was chosen because of their leadership in the industry and long standing relationship and support of ASTA. Included in the film is Sharon Fake, Director of Operations for Travel Experts and the featured agents include:

Elaine Smith in Raleigh, North Carolina
Diane Eide in Phoenix, Arizona
Amy Crocker, Laura Kaufman and Michael Kaufman in Dallas, Texas
Joanne Wilson in Jackson, Mississippi

"We've been working with clients for decades, and while some may shop online or try buying from the supplier directly, they always come back because of the depth of travel experience and value we deliver," said Sharon Fake, Director of Operations for Travel Experts.

In a unique communications partnership, ASTA and ITN Productions have produced this news and current affairs-style program about the exciting & changing future the travel industry is experiencing. This news-style program features interviews, news items and editorial profiles of leaders and key industry organizations in the travel sector. The complete footage focusing on Travel Experts is here and the preview to the full program is here. Access to the full first segment is available later today.

Travel Agents are the Best "New" Trend that has Been Around for Decades
The 2016 ASTA study "Best of Both Worlds: Quantifying How Travel Agents Save Consumers Time and Money," showed these positive results:

Agents are saving consumers on average $452 per trip and four hours of time
The average consumer goes to 27 different websites before making a travel decision
When looking back on their past travel experiences, almost two-thirds (63%) said using an agent makes their overall trip experience better; 69% reported that agents save them time in planning and booking; 66% said agents help them avoid costly mistakes, and 64% say agents find the better deals.

"At this point, consumers have tried it all – they've booked online, they've gone direct, and they've used a travel agent," said ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby. "This study dispels the myth that booking direct with suppliers or spending hours online yourself gets you a better deal or gives you a happier travel experience. In short, if you want a better travel experience, use an agent."

About Travel Experts
Travel Experts, Inc. was established in 1989 as support system for entrepreneurial travel businesses and they support and promote the businesses of independent travel consultants nationwide. Travel Experts is also one of the most successful members of Virtuoso, a leading supplier and agency network with provides Travel Expert consultants with access to exclusive, added-value experiences with top travel providers. Travel Experts has a depth of talent with 78 of the 300+ independent travel advisors having 10 years or more of experience. For more information, call 800-274-2544 or contact Travel Experts via email at info@travelexperts.travel. Further details about Travel Experts are also available on the web at http://www.independenttravelprofessionals.com.