Business Travel Requires New Breed of International Travel Agents

CHICAGO, May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Internet has ushered in an era of do-it-yourself travel booking where business travelers make their own flight and hotel arrangements to important industry conferences and client events. Many are now convinced that only they can find the best deals and travel management for themselves. Are travel agents needed?

"While the Internet has given many travelers a sense of confidence over their travel plans, self-service is the last thing that comes to mind when disruptions happen to itineraries," says Rob Hard, publisher of BusinessTravelDestinations.com and owner of RH Communications, Inc. (RHCI), a Chicago-based services firm that specializes in travel.

When these situations happen, travelers are reminded that customer support has diminished in just a few short years. Many business travelers are stranded, waiting for automated updates from airlines, crowding in airports, or listening to hold music for hours. "These situations require advanced travel logistics and people who know how to respond immediately," Hard says.

Unpredictable Factors Impact Business Travel

To say that natural disasters wreak havoc on international travel is an understatement, often lasting for weeks if not months: earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, pandemic outbreaks, blizzards, wildfires and other situations that seem to happen when least expected.

Strikes by airline employees can also become the proverbial 800 pound gorilla that can keep planes grounded. "And we shouldn't overlook strikes by their suppliers. During Christmas week last year, travelers slept at Charles de Gaulle airport as they waited for a supply of de-icer from the U.S. This, because employees of the French supplier of de-icer were on strike," Hard explains.

The fluctuating cost of travel is another factor impacting business travel, baffling industry experts and seasoned travelers alike. Fuel prices, ancillary fees and destination taxes create unpredictable ripples. And it seems that the strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar hasn't hit the radar yet, but it should because that contributes significantly to the cost of travel.

Find a Good Travel Agent

"Even though technology for corporate travel booking has been embraced with domestic travel, we believe that many small and mid-sized organizations should keep a separate travel agency to manage their international needs," Hard advises. "That's because they know travel disruptions impact travelers and business priorities, contributing to losses for the bottom line."

This is also why RHCI teamed up with New York-based Smart Flyer, a member of the prestigious Virtuoso Travel Network, in an alliance to provide VIP corporate and leisure travel services to U.S. and international destinations.

RHCI Business Travel Services considers budgets, schedules and preferences to ensure savings and productivity. Our philosophy is that travel advisors should maintain relationships with airlines and hotels. They should be part of distinguished networks. And they share their personal travel expertise.

When unexpected travel situations happen – beyond the everyday travel nuisances caused by weather, security and airline delays – good travel agents will pound away on the keyboards and reach out to their airline and hotel contacts to provide their clients with fast solutions.

But for those who travel internationally, and many executives and managers do, travel management should be handled by RHCI Business Travel Services.

About Us

BusinessTravelDestinations.com is the premier international site that explores the unique needs of business travelers and business events. Our portfolio includes EventVenuesDirectory.com and EventJobsBoard.com. RHCI Business Travel Services is affiliated with a business travel agency that is part of the prestigious Virtuoso Travel Network to provide VIP corporate and leisure travel services throughout the U.S. and internationally. Contact us at [email protected].

CONTACT: Rob Hard, +1-312-663-4800, [email protected]

SOURCE BusinessTravelDestinations.com