How to identify and select a reputableTour Agent Online
How to identify a reputable Tour Agent, or Ground Operator Online
After reading a couple of articles on the internet on how tourists coming to Kenya have sometimes dealt with unscrupulous agents i decided to embark on a mission to help would be holiday makers to Kenya identify reputable firms to book with. ( please note Royal Tours is an online marketing Agent and only recommends reputable Ground Operators).
1. Tour Operators would be registered by KATO (Kenya Association of Tour Operators) for Kenya or such a body i there country of operation and would spot the their logo.
2. Many would also be registered by ASTA.(The American Society of Travel Agents) and would spot the logo on their website
3. For your own safety, NEVER buy a safari package on the streets, no matter how appealing or attractive it may seem. We recommend that you insist on a written itinerary for all your safaris prior to departure.
4. Cheap is not always the best. Many agents offering cheap safaris will not include a number of cost in the package and you will only realise when your are already in the country. Also some of the hotels used are in very poor condition.
5. The look of the site: Companies that are not in the business for the long term would not re-invest a lot of money in building a brand. Hence the state of their sites will tell a lot. Many are poorly done very untidy.
6. Make a price comparison when asking for a quote. Send an inquiry to at least 3 to 4 agents to make a price comparison. Prices that are way below others should ring a bell. You would want to be a careful with such agents.
7. Always ask for a reference that is contacts of people who have traveled with the agent in your country whom you can call (email is not enough).
8. Most reputable Tour agents will have an agent in your country whom you can Contact. Going through the agent in your home country may cost a little bit more but it is better to be safe than sorry.
