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The UK boss of Dubai Tourism has apologised after the organisation tweeted that “you don’t need a travel agent to plan the trip of a lifetime”.
UK & Ireland director Ian Scott responded after agents voiced their anger via the Travel Gossip Facebook page.
Zoe Dalby, of Benfleet Travel in Essex, said: “No wonder travel agents are a dying breed. Everyone thinks they are a travel expert and do not understand the work we agents put into our jobs.”
Lorna Hardy, described as an independent travel expert, said Dubai Tourism should be “ashamed” and added: “If customers want a real experience for their holiday travel agents/experts make this happen. Shocking isn’t it.”
Scott took to the Travel Gossip page to say: “As you know, the tweet has now been removed. Whilst it’s no excuse, it was an agency error.
“The tweet absolutely does not reflect the importance we place upon you, our travel agent friends and partners in the UK and Ireland, who remain an integral part of our business.
“As many of you know, we are dedicated to working with the trade with ongoing activity on the road, our targeted training workshops, agent fam trips and fun and interactive events; and will continue to strive to ensure all agent needs are met.
“I apologise for any upset caused and can assure you that we are looking into this error to ensure it never happens again.”
His response was welcomed, with Advantage Management Group member Andy Tomlinson saying: “Thanks Ian, for having the balls to come on here to explain what happened, and to offer these reassurances to us travel agents.
“It was concerning that one of the best trade supporting tourist boards could tweet something like this, and risk impacting the mutual relationships which has worked so well over the past 15 years or so.
“Anyway, on behalf of us travel agents who love to support and sell your key destination, then apology accepted.”
Another agent hit out at Ryanair after receiving an email saying: “Why use a travel agent to book your ski trip”.