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Travel Agents Encouraged to Sell More Car Rental

American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) estimates its agents' share of car rental sales is 25 percent of total sales. Chris Russo, ASTA president, thinks that total should be higher.

by Staff
September 23, 2009
1 min to read


Many believe—car rental firms and travel agencies included—that travel agents should sell more rental cars, according to travelagentcentral.com.

A study conducted by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) researched how agents can increase the share of the car rental market. As it stands, Chris Russo, president of the ASTA estimates that agents’ car rental sales are 25 percent of total sales. Russo believes that number should be higher, citing that it can make for solid business for agents to include car rentals as part of their services.

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Per the news report, most travelers want their agents to be full service, including the offering of car rentals. Thus, travelagentcentral.com has offered a few tips for agents to boost sales.

For example, the Web site reports that car rental agencies are eager to work with agents, as some have standalone programs and Web sites to offer information and incentives to agents.

The use of technology, such as Amadeus Cars, can also help travel agents book more rental cars at a faster rate, as opposed to using car rental Web sites and call centers.

Travel agency management is encouraged to speak with its group on suggestions on how to improve car sales. Further, speaking with rental agencies is also a plus.


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