Travellers Choice members are being shown how AI can be a powerful friend for time-poor travel agents, rather than a potential foe.
Managing Director Christian Hunter is hitting the road this month to explore the topic during the group’s Member Meetings.
These meetings provide agents with in-depth updates on the group’s business plan, the current trading environment and emerging risks and opportunities.
“When it comes to AI, we certainly see an opportunity for our members to gain a competitive advantage,” said Hunter, who in February joined the entire Travellers Choice Board in an intensive AI boot camp.
“In some ways AI is simply the next version of the internet – another technological development that was supposed to threaten the future of travel agents, but which has in many ways made us stronger.
“AI will introduce even more uncertainty into the online booking process and consumers will be looking to travel agents to help them navigate this fast-evolving environment.
“Our aim is to give our members the skills and confidence to understand the possibilities and limitations of AI, and to start adapting their work processes to incorporate the technology in such a way that it boosts their productivity.”
The annual Member Meetings – which will kick off in Sydney and continue over the next few weeks with gatherings in Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth – will also see Hunter and TC Chair Trent Bartlett (pictured above) present the board’s current forecasts and priorities.
“By the end of the meetings, members have a clear picture on our financial performance, along with our efforts to further enhance our sophisticated sales and marketing support systems, and our current strategies to expand our award-winning national network.
“Most importantly, they will have had the opportunity to share with management and the Board their own personal perspectives as business owners and member shareholder of Australia’s leading network for independent travel agents.”
