Local Travel Agent continuing to Find Creative Ways to Serve Clients in the Era of COVID-19
The travel industry was one of the hardest hit during the pandemic, but that isn't stopping agents like Kiesha Lizaire (owner of Twin Gemini's Travel), who have become critical sources of advocacy and provide up-to-the-minute travel information for anxious travelers in a continually-changing global crisis.
Jackson, NJ, February 19, 2021 - In early 2020 the bottom had fallen out from under the travel industry, seemingly overnight. Planes were grounded. Resorts and borders closed. Sailings paused on Cruise lines. Bookings vanished. Suddenly, all the plans people had made needed to be cancelled.
For many travel agents, the time had been understandably stressful. But even in the midst of a worldwide health and economic crisis, agents like Kiesha Lizaire were finding that their expertise was needed more than ever.
For starters, Lizaire says, agents were still booking travel. This occasionally came as a surprise to clients, who assumed all bookings were halted. But in reality, says Lizaire, "it was and is the perfect time to plan travel. Some resorts began opening back up slowly and in limited ways, as it was deemed safe to do so later in 2020. There were many excellent deals to be had. And it's possible to book well in advance, so people can begin planning their dream vacations for 2021 and beyond, while taking advantage of great prices."
Lizaire even set out on her own adventures to two popular destinations in order to give her clients first hand knowledge and experiences to be expected during travel amidst a pandemic. In September, she traveled to the Dominican Republic and stayed at Casa de Campo (click to see full photo album), as part of her certification in the Destination Wedding University, and to get first hand experience of behind the scenes planning for weddings & events in destination. Then, in December she traveled to Jamaica to complete site inspections on many of the popular resorts and those off the beaten path, in order to assess the travel experiences a traveler would expect and to address the concerns of those looking to travel while comfortably adhering to social distancing requirements. During both instances, she personally went through procedural requirements from the airlines, destinations & resorts, and completed the required travel authorization forms.
In addition, agents like Lizaire are finding that their roles as consultants and advocates have become even more important. They can help travelers understand their rights, navigate the "fine print" of legal documents & waivers, understand the risks of travel, and can be a knowledgeable go-between with airlines, hotel, and resorts. When bookings collapsed in early March of 2020, for example, those who booked with agents had someone in their corner to negotiate refunds or re-bookings. And as the situation is constantly changing, Lizaire is also serving as a source of valuable and reliable information from health experts, industry leaders, and the hospitality industry.
"Yes, travel has changed," Lizaire says. "But I want my clients to know: I'm still here. I'm open for business, and I can provide the clarity, stability, and unique expertise they need in uncertain times."
Twin Gemini's Travel Agency is a full service agency dedicated to creating lasting memories and relationships with their clients. To learn more about Twin Gemini’s Travel Agency’s range of services and to schedule a consultation, visit www.dw-by-Kiesha.com/twingeministravel or www.twingeministravelconsu;tation.as.me
Website: www.twingeministravelagency.com
Destination Weddings Site: www.dw-by-kiesha.com/twingeministravel
Instagram: www.instagram.com/twingeministravel
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