Unanticipated events such as the volcanic ash cloud last year which threw people's travel plans into complete chaos have only served to highlight the value of booking travel through a travel agent rather than through the net - claims Asim Arshad, CEO, Orient Travel.
"When the volcanic ash happened you will not believe how many calls we got from people asking us to change their bookings."
"We asked them – where did you book? And they all said online. It has proved the value of booking through a travel agent," he said.
But Omar Ahmad, CEO of newly launched travel booking site Joob.com disagreed that online travel agencies did not provide customers any support. "People have a misconception that if you book online you are on your own. But most online agencies have a 24 / 7 support centre. It is actually a more enhanced offering than many traditional travel agencies offer.
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Ahmad suggested that with the development of online travel in the region, "the notion of online with service will be very successful in the future."
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Nov 14, 2011 , United Arab Emirates
who said it is a propoganda? its a miss conception by people i would like to highlight orient travel services because they do have and 24/7 call centre with toll free number for customers help.
May 20, 2011 , India
This is a mere propaganda by big travel houses who also work on schedule working hours. On line agents do provide services as they are not ghost and do exist. I have my own positive experience.