New experience in booking your travel arrangements!!

Ian Walsh is the latest experienced travel agent from Balbriggan to join award winning travel company Travel Counsellors.

Having only started out a mere 3 months ago, business really took off, but now comes the task of trying to maintain it and getting his name out there. Born and raised in Balbriggan, parents are Catherine and Des Walsh, Ian feels this is where his business base will be as this is where all his family and lifelong friends are from.

Because Ian runs his own business from home it means he can be available to his clients 24/7 should the need arise. Customers can book their travel arrangements from the comfort of their own homes without having to venture into a main street shop and Ian can also meet up with his clients at a time to suit them. Plus unlike many retail agencies which are owned by a big name tour operator, Travel Counsellors is completely independent, meaning that Ian is free to recommend and book the holiday that exactly suits his clients’ needs.

Ian says; “From my experience people are still booking holidays but want better value and a service that goes above and beyond. In terms of booking trends we are seeing that customers are booking closer to the time they want to travel, possibly because they want to hold onto their money for longer. They are also venturing further afield to non euro destinations and places like the Far East and the USA in order to get better value for money.”

“There is no doubt that the current climate is having an effect on lots of businesses across the country, including travel agencies,” says Ian. “However as we operate differently from other travel agencies my business, and those of other Travel Counsellors across Ireland, seems to be bucking the trend.”

Ian uses the company’s award winning technology to provide expert advice and great savings; from specialist areas such as tailor-made holidays and honeymoons, cruises and business travel to a simple flight or hotel booking.

This unique way of selling travel has proved an unquestionable success and Travel Counsellors is one of the top scoring companies in the world when it comes to customer service, with over 90% of its customers saying that they would recommend their Travel Counsellor to their friends and colleagues.

Ian adds; “I think my customers really appreciate the personal service and attention to detail that I can offer as a Travel Counsellor. I look forward to continuing to grow my business with the company and delivering the very best service that makes me stand out from the crowd.”

Most people are unaware that if they choose to book their flights and accommodation separate they are not covered by the Travel Agent Licence Bond. In the event of the accommodation supplier or the airline going bust they will be left stranded with no chance of a refund! By booking with your travel agent you are safe in the knowledge that they are bonded, by law, with the aviation commission!

As Ian is part of a global travel company with over 1,000 Travel Counsellors operating across seven countries it means they have the constant back-up and support from the company’s office in Cork and global headquarters in the UK, as well as access to a worldwide network of travel experts that they can turn to for information and advice should they need it.

For more information or to discuss your forthcoming travel plans contact Ian Walsh on 059 8633836 or email ian.walsh"at"travelcounsellors.com  change the "at" for the @ or www.travelcounsellors.com/ian.walsh

EDITOR’S NOTES:  Travel Counsellors Ireland is licensed and bonded with the Commission for Aviation Regulation in Ireland – Travel Agents License No 621.