Recently I received an encouraging E-mail from the Association of
Retail Travel Agents (ARTA), addressing the exclusive agreement
reached between the AARP and Travelocity a development I’ve heard
many agents say troubled them. I call the E-mail encouraging
because right there in the title ARTA used the phrase “market
action plan,” and I find it refreshing these days when an
organization even attempts to have a “plan” for fixing some of the
probelms in our industry. So often, it seems, there’s no plan, let
alone one that involves “action.”
As it turns out, it even seems like a good plan. In the weeks
ahead, ARTA will contact major travel suppliers to compile a list
of companies that will continue to provide senior discounts through
independent agents, which in turn will help agents be more aware of
their options. The E-mail also said the list as well as the “market
action plan” that gives agents tips on how to find and attract more
senior customers will be available to members and non-members
alike.
I sincerely hope that agents will make use of these resources,
as well as any resources available from other organizations. When
we come together as an industry, everyone wins.
www.artaonline.com
