rep’s report

rep’s report

Martin Sheldon: Longwood Holidays rep in Eilat

Martin Sheldon joined Longwood Holidays in 1996 and has spent six years repping in Eilat. There are not many situations that Martin, 28, hasn’t dealt with. We asked him for the low-down on his job and Eilat

&#42 Have there been many changes in Eilat since you first arrived?

Over the six years I have spent in Eilat, I have seen the resort almost double in size.

There are always new hotels being built, shops, attractions and more nightlife. It is definitely a progressive resort and becoming more and more popular, both with Israelis and with tourists from all over the globe.

&#42 What has been the most common question from guests this season?

The usual one about the weather, of course and where in Eilat serves bacon. Hotels won’t serve it as they’re all under a Kosher licence, but there are a few pubs that serve it.

&#42 What’s the most popular excursion from Eilat this season?

There are many enjoyable excursions and activities to be taken in and around Eilat, but the best has to be the day tour to Petra in Jordan, also known as the Rose Red City, stopping off half way to overlook Wadi Rum.

Before I began repping, my job was to escort tours to Petra and I participated in 65 tours.

Imagine a city carved out of sandstone mountains and stretching 25 miles and in 28 different colours extracted from the rocks and you can understand why nobody returns disappointed.

&#42 What has been your biggest challenge and how did you deal with it?

When a general strike was declared in Israel last season, it coincided with a major change-over day.

It was a case of always being on hand and relaying up-to-date information to all our guests in the resort.

Although most of the time there was no new news to relay, it was important for our guests to feel as secure as possible under the circumstances.

Although the strike was totally out of our hands, there were people that held us responsible for their inconvenience and that’s what became the hardest part of the day. All in all, it was a very tiring 24 hours.

&#42 What’s your worst moment?

Like most reps, having to do your first transfer and welcome meeting in front of hundreds of people with no public speaking experience. Then you have the situations of deaths and illnesses which becomes so much more serious, particularly here, as there is so much bureaucracy.

&#42 And your best?

When I was sat on the beach with more than 1,000 people watching Manchester United win the European Champions Cup. It was a time that anybody and everybody just let their hair down and had a great night. I also consider the fact that I live in Eilat year-round as being a best moment.

&#42 What’s the silliest request you’ve had from a client?

I once had a family ask me how much would it would cost to fly from Eilat to Jerusalem in Israel. I explained they were in Israel. They thought they were in Egypt.

&#42 What would your advice be to agents who may be booking holidays in Eilat for clients?

&#42 What would your advice be to agents who may be booking holidays in Eilat for clients?

Eilat is on the Red Sea and not the Med. Travel agents should make sure they know their geography and show clients exactly where they are going. Also, Eilat is well situated in terms of seeing other sights. Cairo is four-and-a-half hours south; the Dead Sea and Jerusalem two-and-a-half hours north; and Petra two-and-a-half hours east. Another misconception is that it’s better to bring US dollars than sterling. It’s not. UK travellers to Israel should bring sterling cash or traveller’s cheques to convert directly into Israeli Shekels as they will get more for their money. Agents should be aware that there is no star rating system in Eilat.