Dripping Springs TX Chamber of Commerce

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June 2005

CENTURY TRAVEL DRIPPING SPRINGS
894-3035 tel.   •   858 4834 fax
www.centurytraveldrippingsprings.com

Austinites have relied on Century Travel for their vacation and business travel for over 22 years. Locally owned and operated by R.B. and Helen Hall of Dripping Springs, and their daughters Kim and Debbie. While R. B. and Helen have retired from the business, for the most part, their daughters continue to successfully run the travel business.

As Austin's growth has moved to the Dripping Springs area, The Halls realized the need to open an office in the quickly growing area. And so, Century Travel Dripping Springs opened its doors in July of 2004.

Kristen McDowell worked for a travel agency in Austin for over 11 years and for a year commuted to New Braunfels to continue her career in the travel industry. The commute was long and when she heard of the opening of a branch of Century Travel in Dripping Springs, she jumped at the opportunity! Now it's been almost a year since Century Travel opened its doors and the company is enjoying its new presence in the community and successful growth as well. Kristen loves working in a smaller town and getting to know her new clients as well as participating in local events such as the Legends of Swing, Founder's Day and the Chamber of Commerce.

The biggest challenges facing travel agencies today and in the near future is the onset of the "Online Travel Mega Sites." These sites have been good for the consumer in many ways, but certainly have taken out the service aspect that your local travel consultant provided. The Internet has been valuable in educating consumers about destinations and prices. However, the big misconception is that you can always find a less expensive airline fare and vacation package. This is not the case because of the fact that travel agents have access and the ability to sell rates comparable to those on the web. In addition, the consumer has an advocate, a real person committed to helping them, who knows and can help them with Must See and Don't Miss advise as well as the ability to enhance their travel experience with the knowledge of having been there in many cases.

Century Travel looks forward to the opportunity to be involved in the community and more importantly to meeting and working with the people of Dripping Springs and the surrounding communities. Please call Kristen for all your travel needs. We are so excited to be here!