Ontario agencies upbeat about recent merger
Staff at two Ontario travel agencies say their agencies’ merger is serving all well, including their travel agency-appreciative clients.
Murdoch Travel, in business since 1989, recently announced what it called a “strategic merger” with Laking & Rhoades Travel Service in Barrie, found north of Toronto. Murdoch Travel labelled Laking & Rhoades Travel Service “one of Barrie’s longest-running and most respected travel agencies”
And it says reaction to the development underscores that the travelling public still likes to be able to set foot in an actual agency.
“Clients are happy that they are still able to visit a bricks-and-mortar agency and meet with our travel advisors,” says Angela Douglas, manager of Murdoch Travel’s Waterloo, Ont. agency. “As a result, they have been inquiring and booking their vacations with our team. Within the industry we are making waves with our recent expansion, strengthening our relationships with our travel partners who have been very supportive and excited to hear of growth.”
Ron Robichaud, project manager at Murdoch Travel, in turn also welcomed the development.
“Both companies are staples in the Barrie community and are highly recognizable,” he said. “Now more than ever, people are recognizing the expertise and value travel agents bring to the table. Joining forces strengthens our position in the market and elevates our customer experience.”
Murdoch Travel — which says it is “known for ongoing personalized service for destination weddings, river and ocean cruises, and bespoke travel experiences” — noted the partnership brings decades of combined experience together under the Murdoch Travel umbrella, “expanding their presence and deepening industry relationships across the Barrie and Waterloo regions.”
John Laking, owner of Laking & Rhoades Travel Service, in turn said staff at that agency, “always believed in putting people first. Joining Murdoch Travel means we can continue that tradition, now with an even larger team and resources to better serve our clients.”
Douglas said the two agencies had been working closely for around half a year and “are already seeing the benefits of becoming one agency. The process has been seamless for the clients, receiving the same excellent service and knowledge that they have been accustomed to. The mentorship that John and Gord are providing our team is invaluable as we continue to evolve in the industry” she added, referring to Laking, owner of Laking and Gord Hay — formerly of Hay’s Travel in Barrie — who were brought to Murdoch Travel in what is described as a “mentorship capacity.”
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome John and Gord. Their reputations in our community are impeccable, and their mentorship will strengthen our team, our partnerships, and the travel experience we deliver to every client,” said Murdoch Travel president Jeff Clarke.
Meanwhile, Douglas says her agency is seeing varied travel trends.
“We are noticing a wide range in bookings,” she says. “Some clients are booking last minute while others are booking 2027. The type of travel arrangements are more FIT, custom arrangements with high sales value. People are traveling to create those core memories and experiences and not worrying about the price tag.”
