Training must be priorityif industry is to succeed

Training must be priorityif industry is to succeed

I write concerning the Mystery Shopper visit to Leicester (Travel Weekly October 30) where the request was for advice on deals to The Gambia and the overall standard from agents was found to be poor.

Unfortunately, it is a sad reflection of the travel industry that training is not more highly regarded among agents.

As a specialist tour operator to The Gambia we have organised many educationals and, while we have had strong support from a core of agents, the mass majority have not taken us up on our invitations.

We support Campaign for Real Travel Agents and its training workshops, which again have been poorly attended by agents. Without adequate training, how can one possibly expect offer reliable information and advice on a destination.

Despite this culture of apathy, we will continue to offer educationals. Those agents who have been supportive have returned positive and confident about selling the destination which, of course benefits us all.

Sandra Wilde

Marketing director

The Gambia Experience

Hampshire