Holiday Hypermarkets will receive commission on bookings made from the shop via the Internet and will only allow customers to access holidays and related products.
Managing director John Donnelly said: “Some people have said the Internet will put travel agencies out of business but we’re putting the Internet into travel agencies.
“We are also going to have two dedicated staff to look after people who come in and use the computers because many of them will be using the Internet for the first time.”
HOLIDAY Hypermarkets is offering Internet access and video links to its call centre at the newly opened branch in Cheshire Oaks, Chester.
The move is part of the new e-commerce strategy being launched by owner First Choice.
Dubbed the ‘Holiday Cybermarket’, the Cheshire Oaks shop has installed three computers with Internet access, allowing holidaymakers to book car hire or holiday insurance and browse any other holidays available on viewdata.
Alternatively, they can print out the details and book on an adjacent video phone linked up to the company’s call centre in Stourbridge or book with a consultant in the branch.
Screens allowing customers to walk through hotels and cruise ships will also be trialled at the hypermarkets (see above).
Holiday Hypermarkets will receive commission on bookings made from the shop via the Internet and will only allow customers to access holidays and related products.
Managing director John Donnelly said: “Some people have said the Internet will put travel agencies out of business but we’re putting the Internet into travel agencies.
“We are also going to have two dedicated staff to look after people who come in and use the computers because many of them will be using the Internet for the first time.”