There are two things I know for sure:

1) In 2009, travel is going to be more affordable than ever.  I’m seeing discounts on everything and my friends in the “last minute” and “distressed travel” sectors are telling me they’re getting more deals and more inventory than they have in over a decade. Below, I’ve listed a link to a very interesting article in the NY Times about luxury hotel prices.

2) 2009 is actually starting off quite well for us.  More and more consumers are visiting our site and trip requests (and sales) continue to climb.

I know, I know, the economic news is bad.  Thousands of people are losing jobs.  Plants are closing, companies are merging and occasionally, some money manager walks off with a couple of hundred million dollars.

With all of this, it is obvious the traveling public is looking for value and looking for deals.  The deals are out there to be sure.  I just had a breakfast meeting in a hotel here in NYC and I asked a guest if they liked the hotel. Her response? “I love this place, especially at the rate I’m paying.”

What better place to get deals than a travel professional?  Sure, consumers can find deals online but as a professional, you know there are “marketing” deals and real values.  I just found two “deals” online for London, both from reputable tour companies.  They both include air, hotel and breakfast.  One is $699 and one is $499.  The $699 package includes a 4-star hotel for four nights, transfers and theatre tickets.  The $499 includes 2-star hotels for three nights, no transfers and no theatre tickets.  If you’ve been to London, you know the extra $200 is well worth it because you’re going to spend it anyway, if not more. Plus, your clients need the transfers unless they plan on walking to the hotel.

As a travel specialist, you help customers navigate through the myriad of offers to determine the best one for them. You’d better be doing your reading though to keep abreast of all the special offers out there.  If you don’t find them, I promise your customers will. 

Do you log into the OTAs regularly to see what they’re offering?  Have you signed up for travel deals newsletters?  If you have, great. If you haven’t, you should.  This is not a time to quote rack rates on anything.  This year is all about the deal. Your clients want them. You need to be the deal maker. Happy selling! –> A very interesting article in the NY Times about luxury hotel prices. (http://tinyurl.com/blkvfm)