“They could then suggest room or flight upgrades – there is nothing wrong with a bit of subtle selling. The key is to do it before the tickets have been issued. Too many agents are losing out on commission when clients upgrade to business class at the last minute at the airport,” he said.
Somak Holidays said club-class travel is a big money-spinner. Product manager Shafique Cockar said:”Mauritius is not a cheap place to visit. People who book have generally got quite a lot of money, so agents should suggest upgrades to club class. Around half our bookings are for club-class travel.
“Agents should tell the client that the flight is a long one – between 12 and 13hrs – and offer them the chance to travel in comfort in club class. We’ve told reservations staff to offer this to the agent,” he added.
A one-way club-class supplement for one person will add £550 to the bill. The company’s average price for 12 nights at a five-star hotel on an all-inclusive basis is about £2,000, based on economy flights.
As Mauritius remains a firm contender on the weddings and honeymoons circuit, agents with clients tying the knot could suggest extra items such as a one-way helicopter trip to the resort.
Kuoni product manager Ellis Jones said:”If it is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, I would definitely try at every opportunity to suggest add-ons such as private transfers. It gets clients to the resort more quickly and also gives them a bird’s eye view of the island.”
A one-way helicopter transfer to Sun International’s Le Touessrok resort costs £150 per person with Kuoni.
The operator also offers add-on trips to the Seychelles, around a 4hr flight away from Mauritius.
“If someone is staying in Mauritius we can tailor- make a visit to the Seychelles for a couple of days,” said Jones.
A package with three nights in the Seychelles and five nights in Mauritius costs around £1,099, which includes flights, accommodation and transfers.
Clients could also opt for a stay on Rodrigues, an island which belongs to Mauritius, and is a 1hr30mins flight away.
Managing director of Elite Vacations Peter Jackson said: “Clients could tack on a short stay in Rodrigues, it adds an extra dimension to a holiday. It is comparable to the rugged southern part of Mauritius and is less commercialised – like Mauritius was 20 years ago. It is popular with the diving community as it has virgin sites.”
Elite Vacations offers a three-night stay with half-board accommodation for £289 including flights from Mauritius.
TABLE: Once in a lifetime:agents can increase their commission byoffering customers booking awedding or honeymoon in Mauritius the chance to take a helicopter trip
Agents can boost their commission totals and provide a higher level of service by selling add-ons to clients who have booked a holiday to Mauritius.
The most obvious products to push are flight and room upgrades, though car hire, excursions and even helicopter transfers are also pre-bookable with most UK operators.
Beachcomber sales manager Paul Bedford advised agents to make a courtesy telephone call to ask the client if everything is OK with the booking.
“They could then suggest room or flight upgrades – there is nothing wrong with a bit of subtle selling. The key is to do it before the tickets have been issued. Too many agents are losing out on commission when clients upgrade to business class at the last minute at the airport,” he said.
Somak Holidays said club-class travel is a big money-spinner. Product manager Shafique Cockar said:”Mauritius is not a cheap place to visit. People who book have generally got quite a lot of money, so agents should suggest upgrades to club class. Around half our bookings are for club-class travel.
“Agents should tell the client that the flight is a long one – between 12 and 13hrs – and offer them the chance to travel in comfort in club class. We’ve told reservations staff to offer this to the agent,” he added.
A one-way club-class supplement for one person will add £550 to the bill. The company’s average price for 12 nights at a five-star hotel on an all-inclusive basis is about £2,000, based on economy flights.
As Mauritius remains a firm contender on the weddings and honeymoons circuit, agents with clients tying the knot could suggest extra items such as a one-way helicopter trip to the resort.
Kuoni product manager Ellis Jones said:”If it is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, I would definitely try at every opportunity to suggest add-ons such as private transfers. It gets clients to the resort more quickly and also gives them a bird’s eye view of the island.”
A one-way helicopter transfer to Sun International’s Le Touessrok resort costs £150 per person with Kuoni.
The operator also offers add-on trips to the Seychelles, around a 4hr flight away from Mauritius.
“If someone is staying in Mauritius we can tailor- make a visit to the Seychelles for a couple of days,” said Jones.
A package with three nights in the Seychelles and five nights in Mauritius costs around £1,099, which includes flights, accommodation and transfers.
Clients could also opt for a stay on Rodrigues, an island which belongs to Mauritius, and is a 1hr30mins flight away.
Managing director of Elite Vacations Peter Jackson said: “Clients could tack on a short stay in Rodrigues, it adds an extra dimension to a holiday. It is comparable to the rugged southern part of Mauritius and is less commercialised – like Mauritius was 20 years ago. It is popular with the diving community as it has virgin sites.”
Elite Vacations offers a three-night stay with half-board accommodation for £289 including flights from Mauritius.
Pre-bookable add-ons
Sightseeing package: Kuoni offers a two-day sightseeing package at £66 per adult and £33 per child under 12. The tour takes in the markets of the capital Port Louis as well as the restaurants, shops and bars of Grand Baie in the north.
Helicopter transfer to resort: Somak, Kuoni and Beachcomber offer these with prices from £130 per person, based on a minimum of two passengers travelling. Elite Vacations offers them from £100 based on a group of four.
Room upgrade: Somak offers an upgrade to a deluxe room at Berjaya Le Morne beach resort on the southwest coast from £15 per person per night.
Flight upgrade: Somak offers an upgrade from economy to club class from around £550 one way.
Sports: Beachcomber offers deep-sea fishing for around £60 a day per person. It costs £300 to hire a whole boat.
Car hire: Beachcomber offers car hire from £46 a day.