Technology
technologies and looks to integrate
them, while maintaining the Inn’s “Old
World charm, stylish sophistication and
modern luxuries,” which will set the
stage for the Inn’s future.
“It is important for any hotel and
property to keep an eye on and plan
for the future, especially in regards
to emerging technology. Being
complacent can leave one very
vulnerable.”
Barbee continued that the Inn
n r
t
i a i y n that
the amenities they see at modern
properties can also be found at the
historical hotel. This keeps the
property competitive with other
hotel options. However, it will also
stay true to its historical ambiance
by keeping with the boutique size
of the Inn at twenty rooms, which
is more conducive to personal
interactions.
The ease of booking travel online has
outplaced many travel agencies, but
according to the future of travel
report, it seems that travel agents
are back in business — digital travel
agents, that is. Skyscanner said that
arti ia int i n
i
i
scan online searches and crossreference vacation, food, travel and
hotel searches while using predictive
algorithms to make suggestions
tailored to desired price range, peer
and gender needs.
However, what does this mean
for human travel agents who hold
decades-old relationships with their
clients? The future actually isn’t so
bleak for them after all. Deborah
Geiger, travel consultant for Liberty
Travel travel, said that booking on
the Internet lacks several factors
that travel agents possess, including
personal customer service.
“As travel agents, we have been
to these places that we are
recommending to our customers,”
she said. “We give personal feedback
on what these resorts and beaches
are like, plus we can make all of
their stay, golf, spa and dinner
reservations for them.”
The Bernards Inn
is a bouti ue otel
with 20 roomsv
I can personally attest to Geiger’s
recommendations – she has been my
family’s travel agent for more than
ten years. When organizing trips for
ra
o
ho ho
iff r nt
interests and preferences, internet
bookings fall short. Geiger is able to
help us work out our plans so that all
travelers are pleased.
Geiger also said that, unlike an
Internet booking, human travel
agents are there for their customers
before, after and during their trip.
This comes into play when customers
need to voice their grievances
about a destination or when
things go awry, such as during
superstorm Sandy.
“During Sandy, we were there for our
customers, helping them rearrange
th ir i ht or arran a tay i th y
were stuck, so that they didn’t have
to stay on an airline hotline for four
or
ho r
n y a r ona tra
agent can do that for you.”
Although the future of travel is
bright and full of innovation,
emerging technologies and fresh
destinations, it appears that there
will always be a place for travel that
is personal, keeping the standard of
luxury alive.
The Bernards Inn is a
ear old lodging in
ew erse
3
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