Travel agents say the cost of Covid tests is unlikely to be a major barrier to travel this summer as they report increasing numbers of new clients.
Speaking on a Travel Weekly webcast, agents said the costs of tests was now less prohibitive than when they were first introduced while many have comprehensive procedures in place to guide clients.
Sutton Travel managing director Andy Tomlinson said he had just booked a family of five on a holiday to Greece in August and said the Covid test costs were “negligible”. As an example, he cited the PCR tests required on arrival back in the UK from abroad as costing £25 per person.
He said: “It’s important that we put a positive vibe across as regards testing costs. I can see the hassle involved putting people off more than the costs.
“A lot of people have not been away for more than two years. I don’t think an extra £50, £60 or £70 per person will be an issue for those desperate to get away this summer.”
He added it was important agents got the message across to consumers that they can sort out all the aspects now required for travel. Already this year, around a third of Sutton Travel’s business has come from clients new to the agency, said Tomlinson.
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“We have had to make ourselves really knowledgeable; we have got a list of things clients have to do, whether it’s tests or insurance,” he said.
Henbury Travel owner Richard Slater said many clients expected test costs to be higher, adding: “They are pleasantly surprised when we tell them it’s £43.”
Since Christmas, one in three clients booking with the agency were new and had previously booked online or booked holidays independently on their own, said Slater. “This might be because I’ve been on television or because they want their hand-holding or reassurance about the booking procedure,” he said.
David Walker, aka The Travel Snob, said clients accepted tests were “an extra cost” and said the fact they needed more help before travelling abroad was an opportunity for agents.
He said: “This is our time to shine and make our customers realise how lucky they are [to book through an agent] rather than going direct.
“It’s our opportunity to get new people [clients]. Those people who have booked over the last 18 months that would normally have done it themselves are now coming to an agent to get that extra guidance and advice.”
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