Get the knowledge

ATN delves into its vaults of industry contacts and information to provide hints and tips to help agents through the working day.

In every industry there are tools and tricks of the trade that the old pros can sagely pass on to the uninitiated.

This usually comprises a collection of hints and tips that, seemingly marginal on their own, can make a huge difference to an individual's working day when implemented collectively.

Black Cab drivers negotiating the complicated maze of London's city streets have to study every street, route and potential traffic congestion spot for three years before being examined to see if they qualify for the accolade of having ‘The Knowledge'.

Being a far more generous publication, ATN has decided to run through some quick tips for the region's travel agents, from tourism board training courses, to travel jargon - creating the industry's very own version of ‘The Knowledge'.

National know-how

National Tourism Boards (NTBs) are a fantastic source of destination knowledge that are currently under exploited by the region's travel agents.

The thinking is that it's difficult to schedule a time for a visit from tourism board representative when you are busy trying to make bookings, but this judgement could be misguided, claim industry experts.

"Travel agencies have to make time for the National Tourism Boards," said Dubai Travel and Tourism Group (DTTAG) general manager Leo Fewtrell.

"All they have to do is ask and they will have reps coming round giving them all of the information they need, which will tremendously improve their destination knowledge and ability to sell to their clients."

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