| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 07/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 20 |
| Copyright: Other |
Long-haul specialist
Distant Dreams recruits team to deal with tailor-made tours
Report by STEVE JONES
LONG-HAUL specialist Distant Dreams has recruited a dedicated team of consultants to deal exclusively with tailor-made itineraries.The six-strong team will man a hotline for travel agents who are piecing together complex arrangements and need expert help. It will leave other sales reps free to handle simpler enquiries from agents.
Launching the operator’s 2001 programme, Distant Dreams managing director Peter Traynor said the current team took calls from all agents.
“Since our launch 18 months ago we have noticed an increased demand for tailor-made holidays,” he said. “We realise that agents require a significantly enhanced level of support for the more complex itineraries and we want to further differentiate ourselves within this market by providing this.”
The dedicated number is 0870 241 2238 and will run alongside the existing number – 0870 241 2400 – for other bookings.
The programme, which offers holidays from October 2000 to December 2001, includes an expanded Indian Ocean programme with growth in Maldives.
A seven-night island-hopping trip – the Maldives Castaway Cruise – is new and takes in uninhabited islands along with night fishing, beachbarbecues, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Syria has been introduced as an add-on to existing tours with a Malaysia coach tour that is also new. Other options making their debut is the El Gouna resort on the Red Sea in Egypt and the Thai resort of Pattaya. The Jumeirah Beach Club, Al Maha Villas and the Emirates Towers are new in Dubai.
Creating paradise: Distant Dreams wants to offer a more enhanced level of support for the more complex tailor-made itineraries