OPERATORS are being urged to take more agents to Asia amid
growing concerns that confusion is affecting the recovery.
The call comes as retailers themselves have requested more
detailed information so they can give accurate advice to
clients.
So far, few agent fam trips have been organised by operators.
And with TV footage still carrying images of devastation, tourist
officials and trade bodies are worried agents are getting the wrong
impression that tourist resorts are out of bounds.
The concerns seem justified. Travel Weekly’s Mystery
Shopper tested agents in Luton this week and discovered widespread
uncertainty.
Pacific Asia Travel Association chairman Tim Robinson said fam
trips could play a pivotal role in clarifying the position.
“There have been press trips but the time has come for more
retail agents to see the situation first hand. The media is focused
on the problems and it could lead to misunderstandings. We need to
prove that the vast majority of resorts are open.”