Tracey James: Argo Holidays resort manager

Tracey James: Argo Holidays resort manager

Tracey James: Argo Holidays resort manager

rep’s report

Tracey James joined Argo holidays last year as a resort manager based inLimassol. We asked her to give us thelowdown on village-house holidays.

Tracey James joined Argo holidays last year as a resort manager based inLimassol. We asked her to give us thelowdown on village-house holidays.

&#42 Have there been many changes in Cyprus since you started work here?

I first worked in Cyprus in 1985. The biggest change has been in the growth of Ayia Napa – it’s certainly not the sleepy fishing village it used to be. Also the general infrastructure has developed with the addition of five water parks for example The choice of places to visit from Cyprus has also grown – it used to be only Israel or Egypt, now cruises to Lebanon and the Greek islands are on offer, as well as Jordan by air.

&#42 What is the most popular bookable excursion?

The water parks are popular and the cruises still provide excellent value for money. Jeep safaris are a great way to see the many areas of exceptional beauty. Car hire is still popular as driving laws are the same as in the UK.

&#42 What are the most frequently asked questions?

&#42 What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Dealing with the clientele in Ayia Napa this season has been a challenge. We were proactive in dealing with rowdy tourists disturbing our clientele, which have become inherent in the resort this season and have tried to deal with each problem promptly and responsibly. The resort is excellent, with fantastic beaches and the best nightlife, but the reps have had to retain control in order to prevent any major problems from occurring.

&#42 What is the silliest question asked by your clients?

Sometimes, it’s not the silliness of the question but the silliness of the hour it’s asked. For example, once at 4 am, a call came through on the emergency number and a voice asked: “Can I wear sandals on my trip to Egypt?”

&#42 What has been your best moment here?

There are too many to list. Generally the satisfaction of knowing that you have successfully solved a problem, be it with a guest, a member of staff or a supplier. Most people are aware of the pressures faced by anybody working in the industry but when guests show appreciation you remember why you joined the industry in the first place.

&#42 What has been your worst moment here?

Unfortunately one of our reps was involved in a car accident and subsequently died. When dealing with the death of a guest it is always upsetting but you learn a certain professional objectivity. The personal involvement when it involves a member of your own team made it incredibly difficult and the feelings of the rest of the team also had to be dealt with.

&#42 What is your advice to agents booking a village holiday?

Cyprus village holidays invite you to sample a taste of local village life while staying in a beautifully and expertly restored village house. The holidays appeal to people who want to see the real Cyprus and who enjoy the countryside and walking or horse riding. They are not geared towards beach or nightlife enthusiasts and are not particularly suitable for families with young children. Agents should deter anyone with walking difficulties from booking this type of holiday.

food and drink

Food and wine lovers will not be disappointed with the variety of culinary delights available in Cyprus. Traditional tavernas and restaurants are widespread offering delicious Cypriot fare – a cuisine influenced by Eastern Mediterranean countries.

Meze:

Visitors must sample a typical meze – an assortment of up to 30 small dishes of delicacies such as houmous, taramosalata and specially prepared fish and meat. Other favourites include souvlaki, skewered pork or lamb cooked on charcoal, zalatina, a type of soup, and kleftiko, slow-cooked, tender lamb. Fish is also common in coastal tavernas, especially skaros (parrot fish). Fruit, nuts and olives are abundant and vegetarians have a wide choice of dishes prepared with local herbs, tomato and olive oil.

Desserts:

For dessert, pastries soaked in honey will satisfy the sweet-toothed. Good food requires good wine and Cyprus has a wide selection of red and white. At the annual Limassol Wine Festival, held in late August to early September, aficionados and novices can sample the large variety available. Beer is also brewed locally, Carlsberg and the award-winning Keo are found throughout.