Travel agents miss out on car hire bookings

Most travel agents do not seem to capitalize on the possibilities offered by booking car rentals for their clients, as they appear to embrace the philosophy that after they have reserved a plane ticket and hotel accommodation, their work is essentially done. Yet by taking this approach, many travel agents are missing out on revenues that the lucrative car hire industry has to offer. Bobby Healy, Car Trawler’s chief technical officer, made this point earlier this week at the Travel Technology Show, in the hope that his distribution firm will be able to create better cooperation with travel agents.

Healy recommends that travel agents consider sending their clients of quick follow-up e-mail after they have booked their plane ticket, asking if they would also like to arrange a car hire. For many travelers, reserving a rental car is not a priority and is often left to the very last minute. As such, a friendly reminder from the travel agent may not only be much appreciated by the customer, but reserving a rental car could increase the profit that agents make on each transaction. With an ever increasing number of clients booking their plane tickets online and with some carriers pulling agent commissions altogether (such as in Israel), travel agents are likely well advised to take any revenue raising opportunity that comes their way.

Car Trawler’s business focuses on providing information on the price and availability of rental vehicles offered by some 450 rental firms. The distribution company also appears to be making some headway in its search for stronger relationships with agents—South Africa-based Club Travel Group has just signed up for an extended partnership with Trawler.

www.cartrawler.com