Travel Weekly asked four high-street travel agents for their views of current operator programmes and services. For this week’s review, we called agents in and around Bristol to see what they thought of the current young people’s holiday programmes. See how Airtours, JMC,Thomson and First Choice performed under the spotlight.
Compiled by Julie Baxter
*****
Agents award stars for:
* Brochure design and ease of use
* Operator service and support
* Product range and quality
* Client feedback
* Product popularity
All agents remain anonymous and no additional information will be given out.
Top Operator: Thomson
Brochure: Club Freestyle.
Description: 100-page brochure of hotel and self-catering packages in Spain, the Canary Islands, Greece, Cyprus and Turkey.
Reservations: 0990 502555; or through TOPS.
Agents’ verdict: “Although the front cover is plain, rather dark and not very inspiring, the inside is fine – there’s plenty of information on the products and the resorts and it’s easy to follow.”
“It is straightforward to book through the system which also offers a lot of additional detail about accommodation if required.”
“It’s not as well known as some of the other brands but when clients hear it is part of Thomson they seem to feel it will be good quality and less in your face than some others.”
“Lively resorts but better accommodation and not really more expensive.”
“Excursions are good value but clients are not pressurised into taking them.”
“Definitely the one I would recommend most.”
Rating: *****
First Choice
Brochure: 2wentys
Description: 84-page brochure of hotel and self-catering holidays in Spain, the Canary Islands, Turkey, Cyprus and Greece.
Reservations: 0870 7500001; Istel or Fastrak 1#.
Agents’ verdict: “This is an appealing brochure with an exciting front cover and a fun feel to it. Inside there is plenty of information and a decent product range.”
“Very easy to book over the system and if you need to speak to someone, the reservations staff are friendly and helpful.”
“Some clients ask for this by name and like First Choice as a company.”
“Packages can be slightly more expensive but accommodation is usually of a good quality and feedback is good from those who go.”
Rating: ****
Airtours
Brochure: Escapades hi-Energy Holidays
Description: 100-page brochure of hotel and self-catering holidays in Spain, the Canary Islands, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.
Reservations: 08701 577775 or through SPACE.
Agents’ verdict: “Stands out well and is quite trendy and fun. I like the cartoons.”
“Inside is pretty informative on all the basics that young people need to know. It’s also very quick and easy to book.”
“Cheapness is this programme’s main attraction and there are good discounts for groups as well as low deposits, which young people really like.”
“The quality is usually OK. It’s not upmarket but for those who just want a place to crash in between time on the beach or in the bars, it seems fine.”
Rating: ****
JMC
Brochure: Club 18-30: Truth or Legend?
Description: 132-page brochure of hotel and self-catering packages in Spain, Canary Islands, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus.
Reservations: 0870 6075085; Istel or Fastrak LTS.
Agents’ verdict: “Not a bad looking brochure and quite informative and user-friendly inside.”
“Clients think the holidays will be cheap but they are often more expensive than competitors. Late deals can be very good.”
“Feedback is not great. Accommodation is often poor, small and even dirty.”
“We give it out and a few clients think it is fantastic but, in my opinion, even though it has the highest profile, it has the worst product.”
Rating: **