NEW NORMAL PRACTICES- THE CHANGING ROLE OF TRAVEL AGENCIES IN BANGKOK POST-PANDEMIC WORLD

Abstract

This study seeks to find out how travel agencies are dealing with this situation of covid19 and what measure are they thinking of using to overcome this situation. The study will also investigate how the travel agencies deal with the aspect of technology, collaboration, trust, and safety of their customers or the tourist traveling with them. A qualitative research method with the semi-structured interview was chosen by the researcher to gather information from travel agencies within Bangkok. The constant comparative analysis was used to analyze the data collected by 8 travel agencies in Bangkok. The result revealed that the travel agencies have looked at technological development by using a different type of social media or otherwise using the help of the internet to a more advanced level. They also care about their ongoing relations with the collaboration they have like the hotels, sightseeing company, etc., and are focusing on maintaining their relationship with them in the future as well and help in the growth process. The most important aspect that the travel agencies have focused on is the safety and trust-building among the customers or the tourists visiting the destination with them.