New research from The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) proves that travel agents save consumers time and money. Consumers report that travel agents save them an average $452 per trip, and four hours in travel planning.  Perhaps most importantly, consumers said that agents help them avoid costly mistakes. 

The independent study, "Best of Both Worlds:  Quantifying How Travel Agents Save Consumers Time and Money," was funded by Carnival Corporation and conducted by market research firm TNS Global. Detailed findings of the final version of the survey will be available on ASTA.org by May 30.
 

"We couldn't hold back the good news, and that is that travel agent usage is at its highest level since we began commissioning independent consumer research three years ago.  At this point, consumers have tried it all. They've booked online, they've gone direct, and they've used a travel agent. This study dispels the myth that booking direct with suppliers or spending hours online yourself gets you a better deal, or gives you a happier travel experience. Consumers told TNS Global that if you want a better travel experience, use an agent," said ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby.
 

ASTA is releasing the results in honor of National Travel and Tourism Week May 1-7, with a special focus on Travel Agent Appreciation Day, Wednesday May 4. "We want to say 'thank you' to our members all over the globe for all you do every day to advise and protect your customers," Kerby said. In addition, ASTA's sister brand, the National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA), is declaring the month of May "National Travel Consultant Month." Congratulations to all NACTA members. More information on that can be found on NACTA.org.