Why the Modern Travel Agency Needs to Charge Fees

In an age when additional travel fees and costly ancillaries have become commonplace, travel agencies have found that travelers are willing to pay fees for the services agents provide. ASTA's 2015 Service Fee survey found that 81 percent of members charge a service fee, down from 85 percent in 2012, reflecting a downward trend over the last 15 years. Fees have increased, however, since 2009, reflecting the discounting that went on during the last economic crisis as agents were desperate to retain clients. The survey also indicates that 45 percent add a non-refundable consultation fee for tours, groups or cruises which is applied to the total cost of the trip if the client follows throu