In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry has endured a lot of setbacks. The closure of borders and travel restrictions imposed worldwide have all but decimated international travel. The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic will cost the travel industry $2.1 trillion in profit. At the start of the year, 67 million fewer tourists were traveling internationally.
The figures are discouraging, but it’s not all doom and gloom. The travel and tourism industries are focusing their efforts on 2021, especially where international travel is concerned. Before you schedule your first trip overseas post-COVID19, it’s time to think about hiring a travel advisor.
For many people, the decision to spend their valuable leisure time and money traveling is one of the most costly investments made each year. Did you know that the amount of time spent researching travel online is second only to those "researching" X-rated sites? The demand is there (for the former) and the need for expert guidance to vet thousands of options grows daily. There are features on the news quite often showing people who are hired by hotels to write “fake” reviews on Trip Advisor. So how do you know what to believe? Those in-the-know have found travel advisors that they value as much as, if not more than, their financial advisor or hairdresser and many do want to keep us a secret. And God forbid anything goes wrong on your trip! Do you really think Expedia is going to answer the phone and help you out?
What does a travel advisor do?
A travel advisor is a great option for seasoned travelers. Travel advisors are knowledgeable on several different destinations, either through research or by visiting firsthand. Travel advisors also use their connections to help you get the most out of your vacation. They may be able to secure perks like a room upgrade. You will get exclusive access to the travel advisor’s information, complimentary offers, and contacts to make your trip an enjoyable one.
A travel advisor will give you peace of mind. You can contact them whenever they need you and they will support you when you run into difficulties. Travel advisors have been instrumental in helping stranded travelers return home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. They can help you with the small details like accommodation and flight bookings, saving you time and money. It is like having your own personal concierge!
During travel restrictions, travel advisors have been setting up business and marketing systems, serving their clients 24/7 and booking travel in 2021 and beyond! Some, like Black Soul Rhythms Travel, are sharing their expertise with the worldwide public on social media and completing e-learning & certification programs. BSR Travel belongs to a host agency, made up of a group of dedicated niche agents who refer leads and clients between each other so the traveler is being served by someone who truly KNOWS and LOVES the destination they are interested in traveling to. If you are smart you will use that type of professional to help you with your next trip.
Why Hire a Black Soul Rhythms Travel Advisor?
Before COVID-19, the internet caused upheavals in many professions, but none so drastically as the world of travel. No longer did a travel advisor's knowledge of online booking systems offer job security. Online booking tools like Travelocity, Kayak, Expedia and now COSTCO Travel have entered the market in a big way. All appear to have replaced the need for the travel advisor. It is true, the generalist will not thrive and cannot compete against these online giants but they have opened the need for the travel specialist. We don't foresee anyone asking a friend for a recommendation of a great travel generalist or searching online for “travel generalist”. Not going to happen. The career path of the Travel Specialist, however, is bright and maybe the best job in the world, when approached with a new mindset.
The Black Soul Rhythms Travel advisor is a specialist in music tourism. BSR Travel advisors are knowledgeable, trustworthy, and dependable in addition to specialist knowledge in locations in the Americas, the Caribbean, and Africa. For music lovers, the advisor will help plan your vacation around your favorite music genre or cultural event. Our strategy is to identify your travel style to customize a travel itinerary to meet your needs. The best in the field spend weeks or months traveling each year to stay up-to-date and most importantly are REAL specialists not generalists. Our passion for a particular destination (such as Hawaii) or type of travel (such as music tourism) or a niche market (like affluent families) enables us to really focus on learning the suppliers and destinations so that we can be better equipped to find the best match for each client.
Travel After COVID-19
After the pandemic, it will take a while for the travel industry to get back to normal. A travel advisor is recommended because they will help you navigate travel planning post-COVID-19. A travel advisor will help identify insurance to protect you if anything goes wrong in addition to giving you recommendations unique to your trip. The specialized knowledge and expertise will benefit you greatly and it’s a worthwhile investment to make.
When you are ready to start planning your next vacation contact Black Soul Rhythms Travel. Submit a booking inquiry today!
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