How can travel agents offer 24/7 WhatsApp service without burning out?

Business advice

Katherine Masters

11 March 2026

Giving clients access to a 24/7 WhatsApp line sounds like impressive customer service – but how have travel agents made it work in practical terms?

Woman in bed looking at phone — Is this a familiar scenario for you? © iStock / skynesher

With WhatsApp becoming an increasingly popular method of communication for clients, does this make it harder for agents to really switch off?

Travel advisors offering a 24/7 WhatsApp service was a recurring theme among the agent finalists at this year's TTG Luxury Travel Awards. “It’s definitely a growing expectation at the top end of the market,” says Wanderluxe chief executive Rebecca Puttock.

But promising clients you're always "available" has the potential to erode work-life balance, particularly for agents who run their own businesses with no additional staff.

Register for free to continue reading

Get unlimited access to the latest travel industry news and analysis, comment on articles and sign up to newsletters.
Register for free

Already registered? Login here or below.

Having difficulty logging in? Try these tips, or contact support@ttgmedia.com

Top sales tips from our partners

How to unlock premium sales opportunities with Lufthansa Group’s new cabins

From festive breaks to river cruises: how to sell Newmarket Holidays with confidence

Coming soon: the new tool letting you book some of the world's biggest live sport and music events

Motorhome Holidays

7 reasons why a motorhome adventure could be the easiest holiday you’ve ever sold to Australia or New Zealand

The home of Halloween: How to boost your autumn and winter bookings to Ireland

Top business stories this week

1.

'The way we promote homeworking and franchising risks creating the impression making money selling holidays is easy'

6.

The £10 million-a-year agent planning to retire at 45: 'My knowledge sets me apart'

2.

Expedition cruise

Shedding old mindsets, embracing AI and 'Alaska Syndrome': How the expedition cruise sector is evolving

7.

Five things I learned from my fam trip to Antarctica’s deep interior

3.

Business advice

Expedition cruise chiefs insist the Arctic isn’t the ‘tricky sell’ agents fear

8.

Business advice

Travel agent lands £80,000 in bookings for luxury cruise line he had never previously sold

4.

'Specialise to survive', and 4 other key agent takeaways from the 2026 InteleTravel conference

9.

Business advice

Travel Counsellor reveals the marriage pact that’s led to ‘100% more conversions’

5.

'With more people self-identifying as travel agents, perhaps reputation and customer approval is the new accreditation'

10.

Are you a truly inclusive travel agent? Or do you just think you are?

All business advice

Competitions

Win a £200 Fortnum & Mason hamper with Newmarket Holidays

Win a 10-day motorhome adventure in Australia or New Zealand with thl

Win a luxury Cunard hamper including a bathrobe and bottle of Laurent-Perrier

Win a £100 Amazon voucher with Tui

All competitions

Events

23 April | Victoria Warehouse, Manchester

30 June | The Minster Building London

23 September | The Roundhouse, Camden

Handpicked just for you

Spring Hotels to unveil Cleopatra Palace makeover and family developments at WTM

Riviera Travel elevates agent support with launch of new 'Riv Rewards' programme

Audley’s Lisa Fitzell reveals ‘retail hadn’t been on the cards’ before Kuoni closures

Four wellness insights from Synergy agents need to know about

The Good Travel Company hires former agency boss Linda Hill to fill strategic role

All handpicked stories