Travel Leaders Group Declares 2018: Year of the Travel Agent

The increasing complexity of travel choices, weather events and a growing demand for experiential travel are increasing the demand for the services of travel agents, said Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko, CTC, at The New York Times Travel Show in January.

During the keynote panel, Chacko, who leads one of North America’s largest travel companies representing more than 52,000 travel agents, spoke passionately about the vital role today’s travel agent plays as a catalyst for industry growth.

“The fact is that the travel agency industry is flourishing, and more people than ever are recognizing the value of the travel agent. Consider that we represent more than 40,000 travel agents and they are busier than ever. That’s something to celebrate. The travel agency industry powers the growth and development of travel and tourism,” said Chacko. “If you build it, they won’t just come. Someone needs to help them get there.”

For those reasons, Chacko said, Travel Leaders Group is naming 2018 ‘Year of the Travel Agent’ and will kick off a campaign to include agent communications, social media messaging and media relations efforts to highlight the vibrancy of the agency industry. To mark the occasion, Travel Leaders Group distributed “Year of the Travel Agent” buttons and fliers to the more than 800 attendees at the travel show.

Travel Leaders Luxury Brands are part of Travel Leaders Group and include Andrew Harper Travel, Colletts Travel, Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group.

Read More: “Citing A Vibrant Future, Travel Leaders Group Declares 2018: ‘Year of the Travel Agent”