“Technologically Savvy” Chicago Travel Agent Profiled in Travel Trade Industry Magazine

Chicago, IL  - March 21, 2004 - Travel agents Melinda & Gary Barkov, their travel agency (Stars & Stripes Travel), and company website were profiled in the March 1, 2004 edition of Cruise Trade, a magazine supplement of Travel Trade, in a two-page feature entitled “Chicago Agent is Savvy About Technology”. 

It is a strong online presence and variety of web-based travel services that brought the Barkov’s business to the attention of Travel Trade features editor, Marilyn Green. She begins her report by mentioning how “Gary Barkov, owner of Stars & Stripes Travel of Chicago, is using his technical expertise to capitalize on a broad mix of online resources to empower his agency.”  Barkov points out that in this challenging period for those in the travel industry “… those who are succeeding are the ones who are embracing technology.”

Stars & Stripes Travel’s website features over 55 “self-service” booking engines and a variety of travel resources, including the ability to compare and purchase flights, escorted tour/resort packages, cruises, event tickets, trains, and travel accessories. One can also research special interest vacation and tour packages focused on travel that is Family-Friendly, Adult-Only, Scuba, Golf, Sporting Events, etc.

Even though they’re “high-tech”, Gary Barkov points out that  “Although our website and the Internet, in general, is a powerful resource and marketing tool; we still work one-on-one with the majority of our customers and provide full customized service, if requested.  We enjoy sharing our passion for travel and getting to know our customers’ tastes and previous travel experience.”

Barkov feels very “flattered” that a prestigious journal such as Travel Trade featured his relatively new business. Travel Trade has been in business forever 35 years and per Editor and Publisher, Joel Abels, is “…the travel agent industry’s oldest, as well as leading, trade publication…” and whose mission“…has always been to promote the health and prosperity of the retail travel agent industry.”

A reprint of the article is available upon request.