Main image: istock.com/Valeriia Kuznetsova
Assisted travel is redefining the traveller experience, opening up opportunities for OTAs, independent travel consultants, high street agencies, and their clients.
Offering travel companionship adds significant value to an agent’s offering, providing options for those who would not otherwise travel. For example, older travellers may require assistance with mobility, medical needs or simply navigating unfamiliar places.
Dietary requirements and environmental considerations can also be addressed when travelling with assistance. Travellers vary widely in their needs and preferences, so offering the right kind of support is key to providing a valuable service.
Having a companion can help with more than essential travel needs. It can combat feelings of loneliness and enhance the client’s experience by having an individual to enjoy the trip with. Meanwhile, the companion can enable communication with loved ones back home should the person need help making calls or sending texts.
“many travellers are increasingly searching for a more inclusive experience”
Janine Park
Good business
Hotels, resorts and holiday rentals are increasingly offering accessible rooms, with additional consideration for mobility, dietary requirements or quieter spaces. This extends to tourist attractions and guides. However, the additional support stops for many individuals once they leave their accommodation. There is a huge business opportunity for agents to help these individuals.
When an individual comes to an agent looking for accompanied travel, assistance should start from the first meeting. It is important to consider the client’s experience and ensure that they are aware of accessible destinations where public transport, services and attractions are suited to them – as well as accommodation where they feel properly supported.
Preferred partner
Travel agents can partner with a service such as Journey Angels, to match the customer with a suitable DBS-checked companion based on interests, skills and personality traits.
The companion will be able to provide personalised assistance and companionship to customers, from the beginning through to the end of their trip.
Agents can undertake training to enhance their service offering. This can enable them to better serve clients with additional needs and is crucial in creating an inclusive environment. The company can also appoint an accessibility ambassador who is well-versed in the considerations that should be given to serving a variety of clients and able to give tailored recommendations.
Accessible travel is growing as a focus area with many travellers increasingly searching for a smooth and more inclusive experience. Travel agents who are proactive in understanding these needs will gain a competitive edge.
Janine Park; Travellers are seeking more inclusive experiences
