Despite having so many travel websites to book flights, a Bermuda travel agency has noticed a growth in business.

Trip opened its doors three years ago and since then noticed an increase in the number of customers booking directly from them.

Alvin Wilson, a travel consultant with the agency, mentioned that some people prefer the more personal approach.

“Sometimes online customers will have to wait for an hour or two for someone to help them make a correction when its easier to do it through us,” he said.

Not everyone uses credit or debit cards that are usually required for online transactions, he added, and using the travel agency enables cash payments.

“Some people prefer to be protected against any fraud so they would rather pay in cash,” Mr Wilson said.

Other customers include those seeking to build itineraries, rather than booking a flight to a single destination, as well as older people who are not sufficiently tech-savvy to book online.

“Some customers we have, who are over 55 years old, still prefer us to book for them because its easier for them instead of going online,” he said.

Mr Wilson believes that another benefit of using an agency is having the forms needed to clear customs filled before they get there.

“We give the forms for customers to pre-fill which saves them time and hassle at the airport,” he added.

To keep up with the competition, Trip also offers promotions and discounts advertised through social media platforms.

Mr Wilson mentioned that in the near future Trip plans to reintroduce offers to various groups such as the BIU, charities, churches, students, with discounted rates and promotions that they would not find online.

However, Trip also sees the benefit of reaching customers through the internet — the agency plans to introduce an online booking service, so customers can do everything from home with the same benefits.

For more information please visit https://trip.bm