You just can’t beat experience
Reporter meets a couple helping people explore the world, for our series.
The internet may seem the easiest way to book a holiday but a couple working in the industry for four decades believe the role of travel agents will continue.
Bernice and Peter Sherry operate Helloworld Cambridge and claim they are now Waikato’s longest-serving travel agents.
They recently celebrated safely fulfilling the dreams of thousands of travellers for 40 years. And selling dreams is part of the reason the couple started their agency on Cambridge’s Victoria St.
‘‘Once someone walks in the door our responsibility for the three stages of their dream coming true starts. First is the planning stage causing anticipation,’’ said Peter.
‘‘Next, the participation in the holiday where memories are made and followed by the reminiscence stage.’’
The couple has seen many changes in the travel industry over four decades, especially in names as brands which have come and gone.
They have seen the times when everyone wanted to travel and when no one wanted to.
The devaluation of the New Zealand dollar, the share market crash of the 1980s, SARS and the 2008 financial crash kept travellers close to home.
The internet’s impact on the industry had introduced many changes.
Governed by strict guidelines and being bonded to governing bodies Travel Agents New Zealand and International AirTravel Association gives travellers security when something goes wrong.
‘‘Travel agents are experienced travellers. They have access to wholesalers and can get the best deals, safest options. They are a phone call away should anyone experience an issue, like being booted off a plane or missing a connection,’’ said Bernice.
Technology has played a major role in Bernice’s lifetime. She recalled a time when the only technology they had in the 1970s was a telephone and the A-Z of all the flight times for every airline.
‘‘It all changed during the 1980s, we bought a computer, and today with everything at our fingertips agents still spend a huge percentage of time ensuring travel plans are tailored for customers’ budgets,’’ said Bernice.
The travel industry has become competitive, with the world more accessible.