Are agents dangerously unaware when it comes to the effect of currency fluctuations on their prices? the next Weekly travel The story highlights that some suppliers have increased prices as a reaction to the Trump tariff, some agents were contacted Traveling weekly Anxiety that other agents in the industry were not already aware of the dangers of currency. In this opinion article, Deepura Bartulu warns of MTA agents not to leave them when it comes to navigating in the event of economic uncertainty.
This week, the global securities market – a new reminder of the speed of the transformation of the financial scene. For us in the travel industry, these changes are not merely headlines-they have effects in the real world on pricing, currency transformation, and customer expectations. If you do not care about these transformations, or what is worse than that, do not build guarantees in your work to deal with them, then you put yourself – and your customers – in trouble.
The role of the travel agent has changed – and those who have not accompanied not only to cancel harm to themselves, but also to their customers. Let’s continue straight: Being a travel agent not only to book a trip or hotel. It is a job. It includes risk management, supplier negotiations, marketing, customer service, and emergency planning. If you are not aware of how currency fluctuations affect pricing, you are behind the eight ball.
The currency is not stable – your pricing should be.
If the suppliers list prices in US dollars or the euro and include conditions that allow price changes based on currency movements, then this is not a footnote – It is a flashing warning sign. You cannot act amazed when prices change. You need to plan it. Experienced agents already know that your pricing models should include a temporary store to protect your bus. At least, you must explain your terms and conditions clearly to customers that prices are subject to change based on exchange rates. Do you have that in your terms and conditions? Not only can you blame the suppliers because it is everything in the beautiful print; You must read it.
This is not only about protecting yourself – it is about transparency. If you have been detained on the agent of the customer in US dollars and ignored the recent tariff changes or did not warn against increasing the potential cost, this is not a supplier problem. This is a work problem – your work.
This happened before – and it will again
Currency fluctuation is not new. Just ask anyone who was in the industry for a long time to remember:
- Market accidents in the early nineties
- The collapse of the commodity price for the year 2014
- Park market correction 2018
- Financial shock 2020 Covid-19
These events affected the world travel pricing – and it will happen again. The agents who have passed this should know better.
New agents need to get speed quickly. There is no room for assumptions such as “depositing price deposit” – this type of thinking is old and risky.
If you have just started, do not start directly in business administration without the right support or industry. Take enough time to build your skills and confidence – then, when you are really ready, go to it. There are a lot of respected travel and federations there. Choose one in line with your goals and provide the support you need. I am part of one excellent for myself, and the support they provide is invaluable. If you need help, it is available – you should be ready to search for it.
What is not good is to launch a business and constantly rely on others to walk on the basics. If you really don’t know what to do, hold the responsibility for your training. Customers deserve an ready agent, and no one learn to fly and tell others that you have years of experience when you are not interested. You deserve better customers, and if you are not aware of how your suppliers deal with the currency or do not build protection in your pricing, you will wear the cost or risk that destroys the customer. No good work option.
This is more than just prepared. It is a professional.
If you are dealing with this industry like the side party-click on reservations about a full-time job or work from home without the correct support-it’s time to check the reality! Because if you are affected by this, you will soon enter control of complete damage. You will need a lot of snacks and patience to sort this, not 10 pm at night when most suppliers are closed all night!
You are responsible for people’s holidays, honeymoon and trips once in a lifetime. This is not a side bustle. This is a serious commitment! This work requires full focus. Traveling works well to more than emotions and much more!
You need:
Marketing skills
Supplier management experience
Risk alleviation strategies
Clear and updated conditions and conditions
A sincere customer contact and an exclusive
If you cannot speak confidently about the supplier’s policies or do not review the T& CS in months, you are blind. Fortunately, this industry is full of amazing suppliers and support. Online seminars, suppliers training, commercial events – all are easily available. If you do not take advantage of them, this is on you!
Learn, adaptation, and survival related! You will not let the surgeon work on you if they haven’t updated their training for 30 years. So why should the customer trust an agent who is not currently remaining?
The industry changed dramatically through Covid. It is still changing. And the agents who want to flourish need to develop with it. So, let this be your awakening call: Learn about the terms of your resource, understand the effect of currency attacks, put clear expectations, and treat your business like the professional process that should be.
Because customers not only book a trip – they put their confidence in you. Are you ready for that?
Be prepared. Be responsible and better, we all have warned about this customs tariff for nearly 4 good weeks, when you should have started controlling damage by verifying your files and calling to advise them in particular to those who are likely to be affected by the US dollar.
Do you have any insight or look about this issue? Contact sofia@travelweekly.com.au.