While rumours abound that the development of on-line travel companies will cause unemployment figures to rocket, evidence shows the contrary.
Recruitment consultants have actually seen the Internet have a positive effect on the demand for travel staff.
AA Appointments director John Tolmie said:”All Internet companies need back-up and a number of call centres are springing up around thecountry.
“Staff are required to deal with the ticketing once a holiday has been booked on-line and at this early stage a lot of mistakes are being made on the Internet that need to be rectified.”
Changing Places managing director Christine Page said: “Internet travel call centres are particularly looking for retail travel agents because they have experience of the industry and have good communication skills.”
In addition, Page said that experience of using the Internet and e-mail are also required. “More agents now have access to the Internet whether through work or at home. It’s something they have to keep an eye on because it’s the thing of the future.
“However, there are a lot of question marks over booking on the Web at the moment and it remains to be seen how successful the whole concept becomes,” said Page.
She added salaries to entice agents away from the high street and into the call centres are slightly higher.
“The thing that agents have to consider when making this move is they will lose face to face contact with customes .
“In my view, the personal touch that agents give will be in demand for a long time yet,” she said.