Nearly a third of respondents (31%) to the latest TTG Travel Agent Tracker survey said price increases were among the biggest issues facing their businesses in the two weeks to 12 November, up from around 20% a fortnight earlier.
The burden of testing and additional “hassle” around travel was the number-one challenge for the trade at 65%, followed by the restrictions, rules and testing requirements in-destination (54%).
Also scoring highly were client concerns about testing positive for Covid-19 before or during travel (50%), as well as travel rules changing while they are on their holiday (49%).
One agent told TTG: “Many clients are hesitant to book, so we are spending a lot of time quoting. By the time the client has made a decision, prices have changed or accommodation and flights have sold out.”
Another said a “big issue” in the south-east was a lack of airlines operating from Gatwick, with British Airways yet to resume short-haul flights from the Sussex airport, which meant easyJet was “lacking competition”.
Many agents also mentioned their “frustration” about spending time putting together quotes for clients who then decided they were “not confident” enough to book yet.
“People feel uncertain about committing to a booking and so I’m doing a lot of legwork for nothing," said one respondent. "I’m happy to advise people but when it doesn’t convert to a booking, it’s quite frustrating."
Others identified the “lack of clarity” about the vaccination rules for children aged 12 and over when travelling to some destinations.
“The lack of clarity and requirement for children aged 12 and up to be double vaccinated is a disgrace, as children here are not being double vaccinated,” said one agent.
Staffing is also a challenge for many agencies – a problem which is restricting the opening hours for some travel businesses due to a shortage of employees.
TTG’s fortnightly Travel Agent Tracker reports are a benefit of TTG+ membership. To find out more, head to ttgmedia.com/membership.
