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 Norwich to get their views on European short-break programmes. See how British Airways Holidays, Sovereign, Bridge Travel and Magic Travel Group performed under the spotlight.
Compiled by Julie Baxter
HHHHH
Agents award stars for:
H Brochure design and ease of use
H Operator service and
support
H Product range and
quality
H Client feedback
H Product popularity
All agents remainanonymous and noadditional information will be given out.
Brochure: City Breaks.
Description: 124-page brochure of short breaks in 125 destinations in Europe, Dubai, US and Canada.
Reservations: 01992 456600; Istel or Fastrak BTG#.
Agents’ verdict: “This brochure has improved a lot in recent times and is bright and eye-catching and popular with clients. Photography gives a good impression of the hotels. Our clients particularly like the boxes which make special offers clear and obvious.”
“The system is very slow and such hard work we don’t tend to use it that much.”
“The reservations staff answer quickly and are generally very good and quite expert at their job, though occasionally you feel you’ve got a trainee!”
“Customers don’t often ask for this but it is certainly one we are happy to recommend.”
“Product range is comprehensive in terms of destinations, accommodation choice and costs.”
“We can usually find something to suit our clients, from those looking for a budget holiday to the more upmarket breaks.”
“Competitive on price and fits the bill for most people.”
Rating: HHHHH
Brochure: Cities and Short Breaks.
Description: 124-page brochure of short breaks in 60 destinations including Paris, Amsterdam, New York, Boston and Dubai.
Reservations: 0870 2424243; Istel or Fastrak BA1#.
Agents’ verdict: “The copy is informative and clearly laid out.”
“System works pretty well and staff are very helpful – administration is efficient.”
“Clients quite like the idea of booking with BA but often don’t book with it because they can often find a similar product elsewhere and usually at a cheaper price.”
“A good range for mid- to up-market but just not one we actually book very often.”
Rating: HHHH
Brochure: Cities and Short Breaks.
Description: 116-page brochure of short breaks in more than 65 destinations including Paris and Amsterdam. Packages by air, sea, Eurostar or self-drive.
Reservations: 08702 430 635; Istel and Fastrak 1#.
Agents’ verdict: “Quite an attractive brochure with adequate information inside.”
“Pretty easy to book through the system but hard to get through on the phone.”
“Clients know the Sovereign name but think of it as a company that does summer-sun packages and not city breaks.”
“An upmarket range with some excellent products for those celebrating a birthday or anniversary.”
Rating: HHH
Brochure: Magic Cities.
Description: 84-page brochure of city breaks in Italy, Spain, Portugal and France plus Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Dublin, Prague, Copenhagen, Budapest and Vienna. Includes packages by air, sea, Eurotunnel, rail and self-drive.
Reservations: 020 8563 8959; Istel 76# or Fastrak ISS.
Agents’ verdict: “An eye-catching brochure which is a bit different from most of the others and stands out well.”
“There is a lot of information and it is sometimes hard to find the precise detail you want.”
“Booking through the system can be slow and hard work but reservations staff are helpful.”
“An upmarket, specialist range which we are happy to recommend but rarely sell.”
Rating: HHH