Discover The World Research Identifies Travel Agent Priorities As Early Demand Returns

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Jun 24, 2020, 13:31 ET

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As travel suppliers scan the industry landscape for signs of recovery, Discover the World, the leading travel industry sales specialist, is offering a positive message that business is returning, and that travel agents will prove a valuable asset in driving recovery.

After interviewing travel agents worldwide, Discover found 70% of respondents expected to see a promising recovery within the next eight months. Across all key global markets, Discover's research revealed 57% of agents reported new bookings during the COVID-19 crisis.

Discover's survey identifies three areas where suppliers can accelerate recovery for the travel trade – clear and flexible policies, easy and fast refunds, and clear relevant and regular information.

Ian Murray, CEO at Discover the World comments: "Customers are clearly concerned about where they can travel safely, what travel policies apply, and how quickly they can get their money back should flights be canceled. The good news is that travel agents are seen to offer a safe harbor, a reassuring, secure voice that inspires the confidence the industry so desperately needs right now. They will undoubtedly prove an invaluable partner in the industry's drive for recovery."

To further support the optimism, Murray notes the speed of recovery witnessed in China. "China came out of a severe lockdown in early May. We swiftly ramped up our response through our network of agents and witnessed a strong rebound in retail sales. Our Expedia travel agency booking platform (TAAP) numbers turned positive with an exponential rise across just three weeks versus prior year. This is a positive sign for all consumption-based societies across the rest of Asia and the West as well as a proof statement to the benefits of moving fast – don't wait, act now."

With a new, fresh post-pandemic sales vision, Discover the World believes the signposts point a faster rebound than feared. Leveraging its in-depth connection to the travel agent community, Discover is supporting travel suppliers as they seek a return to growth.

As Murray puts it, "Our aim is to ensure our clients are rebound ready by reimaging how we market and sell through an informed travel trade to a public that will quickly rediscover its love of travel."

View Survey Results:
https://datastudio.google.com/reporting/2e40365d-5f71-47ec-adf7-1b39b978f3d4/page/4bGe

About Discover the World
Discover the World has earned a reputation as an innovative global sales representation leader in the travel industry through a worldwide network of 85 offices in more than 60 countries. With a portfolio of over 100 clients utilizing its sales, marketing and business process outsourcing services, the work of Discover the World has a direct positive impact on the growth of our clients and trade industry partners every day.

SOURCE Discover the World