Sharaf has introduced the region's first online book and pay system to compete on the world wide web.
Travel agents will survive the threat posed by websites such as Expedia, by establishing global partnerships, competitive online services and a focus on local markets, a Sharaf Travel spokesperson has claimed.
The agency’s travel manager, Premjit Bangara, admitted that agents are competing with airline websites providing discount fares, however he said agents in the Middle East would survive the threat.
“Travel agents will continue to survive in this part of the world for a very long time to come, for a host of reasons,” commented Bangara.
“We can provide easy access to a host of airlines, but also, we have exclusive access to some of the latest and best airfares on particular routes. So airlines and agents really do complement each other in many ways.
“What we can offer, that the big websites can’t, is specialisation in the local markets.”
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Sharaf Travel recently claimed it was the first travel agency in the region to introduce a secure online book and pay portal.
Bangara said the website revamp was conducted to ensure the organisation was addressing consumer demands for better online services.
“We have seen online penetration increase dramatically in recent years and we wanted to be the first to take advantage of the opportunity it presents.”
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