Not enough people appreciate role of travel agents, says Katherine Ryan

Renowned comedian Katherine Ryan has hailed the role of travel agents, saying not enough people are aware of the benefits they provide.

Speaking at the Travel Counsellors conference in Liverpool, the Canadian stand-up and actress told the 1,500 delegates at the M&S Bank Arena that she and her family have used the same travel agent for a decade and they have “a really good relationship with him”.

Ryan was being interviewed on stage on the first morning of the conference by moderator Victoria Trundle, having performed a stand-up routine at the opening ball the night before, which was hosted by presenter Vernon Kay and also included a set from musical comedian Abandoman.

During the Q&A discussion, Ryan said: “I think people don’t know the benefits of using you guys, and they don’t understand all the extra access you have. I don’t know how we could better communicate those benefits to people.

“Until you’ve been in a jam and you’re online trying to sort it yourself, hitting a brick wall, then maybe people don’t realise it’s very helpful having someone with those extra tools at their disposal.”

Referencing an incident when her travel agent provided support to organise a different route home after her flight was cancelled in the middle of the night, Ryan added: “I don’t expect people to be available 24/7, but when someone goes out of their way like that to help you in a time of need, you never forget it.”

Ryan also said she was “enraged” at the idea of agents’ relatives and friends “turning their backs on their travel counsellors and booking online to save £10”, referencing an earlier discussion.