TRAVEL agents are feeling the pressure as consumers go online for holiday advice, according to one online expert.
Paul Nadin, founder of www.reviewcentre.com said holiday-goers want to hear from other travellers about their experiences rather than being sold by a glossy brochure and sales patter.
He added: "We are seeing a dramatic increase year-on-year of contributors giving the lowdown on everything holiday related, from hotels and car hire to the best restaurants and the best destinations.
"It's easy and quick to log on and do your research on places you want to visit and people are not restricted to the nine-to-five opening hours of a travel agent.
"There are great bargains online and browsing websites rather than hundred-page brochures is a great way of reducing your carbon footprint and doing your bit to keep your holiday environment nice for the future."
Nadin believes travel agents may be forced to slash prices to win back customers from the web. He said: "The Internet has led to greater and tougher competition in the travel industry and traditional high street travel agents will have to address this to avoid further financial loss.
"The Internet is a one-stop shop for choosing a resort and grabbing a bargain price so the traditional high street travel agent will have to rethink their approach in order to win back business and support from the web-savvy public."
Visit www.reviewcentre.com/consumer_reviews12.html to read holiday and hotel reviews.
