Are Travel Agents Really Making a Comeback?－xyjufa的部落格

SHERMAN, CT, Mar 29 (MARKET WIRE) --
The past 15 years have brought dramatic changes to how travel is booked
in the U.S. Consumer migration to online channels has driven a decline in
the number of traditional travel agencies. But according to a new report
from travel industry research authority PhoCusWright, traditional
agencies still account for one third of travel bookings in the U.S., and
today's travel agents are reinventing themselves to stay relevant and
competitive.

"The Once and Future Agent: PhoCusWright's Travel Agency Distribution
Landscape 2009-2013" (www.phocuswright.com/products/4110) reports that
traditional travel agencies accounted for nearly US$95 billion in travel
sales in 2011, or one third of the $284 billion U.S. travel market.
Corporate agencies, which rebounded quickly from the recession, now
account for nearly three fourths of all agency bookings and are focused
on air, hotel and rental car sales. Leisure agencies tend to specialize
in more complex leisure products such as vacation packages and cruises
that are more challenging to book online, and represent a little over one
fourth of total agency sales.

Both the leisure and corporate agency segments have changed dramatically
over the past 15 years, and more change lies ahead. Douglas Quinby,
PhoCusWright's senior director, research, addresses some of the key
shifts that have taken place in the travel agency distribution landscape.

"The Once and Future Agent: PhoCusWright's Travel Agency Distribution
Landscape 2009-2013" examines the traditional travel agency channel,
assessing the state of the marketplace and providing a detailed outlook
for the future. The report includes:

-- Comprehensive travel agency market sizing, including leisure and
corporate sectors, and analysis by segment -- air, hotel, cruise, car,
tour and rail
-- Composition and structure of the travel agency marketplace, examining
the total number of agency locations, the travel agent population, the
mix of leisure and corporate agencies and travel agency affiliations
(consortia)
-- Assessment of the growing home-based travel agent phenomenon
-- Travel agency product selection and booking methods, including the
role of GDSs, supplier websites, mobile devices and other online
resources and platforms
-- The rising average age of travel agents and potential market
implications
-- Trends and key market developments in the U.S. travel agency landscape

"The Once and Future Agent: PhoCusWright's Travel Agency
Distribution Landscape 2009-2013" (US$1,100) traces the dramatic forces
that have redefined the traditional travel agency sector, and provides
essential guidance on the shaping of this distribution channel in the
years to come.

ABOUT PHOCUSWRIGHT INC. (www.phocuswright.com)

PhoCusWright, the travel industry research authority, fosters smart
strategic planning and tactical decision-making by delivering primary
research on the evolving dynamics that influence travel, tourism and
hospitality distribution. To complement its research in North America,
Europe and Asia, PhoCusWright partners with and produces several
high-profile conferences around the world.

Copyright 2012 PhoCusWright Inc., Sherman, CT United States

Contact:
PhoCusWright Media
+1 860 350-4084
media@phocuswright.com

Copyright 2012, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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