That will save the travel agent time and give the client a degree of control. But the agent's expertise will still be needed to finalize the arrangements. In most cases, says Hyde, the agent will be able to suggest a cheaper air fare or a more suitable hotel. Travel agents can also use the Internet to attract new clients, he says. By creating their own Home Page and linking it directly to information about the travel products they sell, they can garner bookings from people who would never walk into their office.
Agents can also use their page to sell their own backyard to Internet users who live someplace else.
Hyde's comments come at a time when a number of Canadian travel agencies and tour operators are getting ready to join the airlines, hotel companies and tourist offices that are already on the Internet. The rush to the Internet is giving jitters to less progressive agencies who are not yet ready to move into the age of electronic marketing and selling. One of the retail agents' biggest fears is that mass-market tour operators could use the Internet to take direct bookings. That would allow them to save money by cutting out travel agency commissions. Theoretically, it could happen.