5 Ways to Support Your Travel Agent Through Covid-19 (and other small businesses)

Matt exploring Masai Mara, November 2019

Recently I spoke with my host agency, KHM Travel Group, about ways our clients can support us until we can all travel again.  They wrote this wonderful article that I'm proud to share. Many of these actions would apply to any small business even if you don't have money to spend. So if you're are tight on funds and have plenty of time, please consider spending a little bit of your time to take these actions to support your favorite small businesses.

Enter KHM....

It’s no secret that the global pandemic is having a major impact on the travel industry. Airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators are drastically reducing their 2020 offerings. Along with that, independent travel agencies are assisting with cancellations and changes affecting several months of their clients’ vacation plans.

How can you continue to support your travel agent, even if you aren’t able to travel right now?

1 – GET SOCIAL
Social distancing doesn’t apply to social media. Your travel advisor is still offering inspiration and information for future travel and would love to have you follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Join the conversation by commenting, liking, and sharing posts from the travel agency’s business page.

2 – BE PATIENT
Travel agents are working harder than ever to navigate constantly changing policies from governments and travel suppliers. Unfortunately, cancelling clients’ reservations consumes a lot of time and energy, but generally results in the agent receiving little or no compensation. If you need to adjust your travel plans, please be patient and know that your travel advisor is on your side.

3 – WRITE A REVIEW
If you’ve appreciated the great service your travel advisor provides, ask where you can post positive feedback. Leaving a stellar review on Google Business, Yelp, Facebook, or other sites helps potential clients understand the value your advisor provides and generates new leads for future business.

4 – SPREAD THE WORD
Referrals are another valuable source of future business for your travel agent. If they aren’t traveling at the moment, your friends and family may be planning their future adventures. Do you know an engaged couple that will be shopping for a honeymoon? How about someone with a milestone anniversary coming up? Or perhaps some grandparents wanting to take a vacation with the grandkids they’ve been missing? Don’t hesitate to share your travel advisor’s name and contact information with them, and a shout-out or tag on social media is always appreciated.

5 – SAY “THANK YOU”
Think about your favorite travel memories. Did a travel agent help you plan any of those trips? Agents love knowing they helped create a special moment in your life. A quick message of thanks means the world to them—and if it’s accompanied by some chocolate, well, that probably wouldn’t hurt.

Despite the current limitations, our desire to travel and explore is stronger than ever. When it’s time to book your next getaway, whether it’s to the next state or across the ocean, remember to support your travel agent!

KHM Travel Group

KHM Travel Group would like to express our appreciation for the dedication and efforts of our independent travel agents during this challenging time. 

KHM Travel Group