Travel Indochina has completed a major independent market research survey of almost 1000 Australians to better understand travellers' purchase journeys and what motivates their buying decisions.

The results confirmed that those most likely to consider group travel were also most likely to consult a travel agent to plan their next holiday, with 70% of small group-style respondents saying they would be "highly likely" to consult a travel agent for their next trip. The research confirmed that this is nearly three times the number of travellers who nominate travel agents in the research phase for more commoditised fly and rest holiday option.

According to Travel Indochina's managing director, Paul Hole, this is significant.

"The overwhelming confirmation that prospective small group travellers are much more likely to visit and consult with a travel agent in the research phase of their holiday planning demonstrates clear business opportunities for our travel agent partners," says Paul.  

"It reinforces the need for travel agents to engage with specialist operators from the outset of the client consultation process, right through until they close the booking. Agents who demonstrate good product and destination knowledge will have a distinct advantage, and won't risk losing the client to other channels.

"Anecdotally, we were told in the forums that handing over a stack of brochures or recommending a 'generalist' wholesaler saw a large number of these prospects turn off the travel agent channel. The clients are seeking clear and considered recommendations from agents when it comes to this type of holiday research, if they are not convinced by the advice, they have declared they much less likely to return to the agent.

"This reinforces the opportunity and need for us to work closely with our travel agent partners to ensure they have the most up-to-date knowledge and expertise to deliver on clients' expectations.

"The research also gave us important insights into the key drivers for consideration of group travel over independent travel which we will be using to continue to ensure our itineraries allow the right balance of planned activity and free
time to encourage the spontaneity and unplanned interactions that travellers desire.

"We will also be tailoring the insights to create better marketing opportunities with our preferred partners to maximise the qualified opportunities we drive into their stores."
 

To support agents in their quest to increase their destination and product knowledge, Travel Indochina has launched its Asia Guru Training program. The three phased training program will help agents better sell the company's
destinations and journeys. 

Travel Indochina has also partnered with consumer review specialists, Reevoo, to display unedited client reviews and destination ratings on its website to provide independent feedback to travel agents and clients considering a Travel
Indochina itinerary.

About Travel Indochina

Travel Indochina has been operating Small Group Journeys and tailor-made holidays to Asia since 1993. Offering journeys to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, China, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Burma, Mongolia and Bhutan, Travel Indochina has seven offices across its Asia destinations, Western tour guides and English-speaking local guides.

Travel Indochina's idea is simple - to explore and share the essence of Asia's history, culture, natural beauty and, most importantly, people. The company has a commitment to responsible travel and a belief that travel is an exchange of knowledge and perspectives, cultures and wealth.

For more information and bookings, Travel Indochina's Asia experts can be contacted on 1300 365 355 or online at www.travelindochina.com.au.

For great travel adventures and stories, follow the Travel Indochina team at www.travelindochina.com.au/blog, on Twitter @travelindochina or check out our photos on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelindochina/


MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrea Plawutsky
andrea@amplifyme.com.au
+61(0)419970984