Location: Online
Wanted: A family of four with teenagers aged 13 and 15 would like a week in Majorca in summer, staying in an apartment or villa close to activities.
Budget: £3,500
Barrhead
barrheadtravel.co.uk
85%
The agent was professional and asked lots of questions. She shared her knowledge of the island and suggested Alcudia. The first option was with Thomas Cook at the Sunwing Cala Bona hotel in a one-bedroom self-catering apartment, flying on July 29 from Manchester to Palma airport. It cost £2,764 including luggage and coach transfers. The second was with Thomson at the Alcudia Hotel, in two twin rooms on a bed and breakfast basis, flying from Manchester on July 25. The quotes were confirmed by email on the same day and were within budget, although some of the information differed from that given earlier by phone. The agent appeared to have researched well to select suitable locations.
Broadway Travel
broadwaytravel.com
81%
The agent was helpful, but I didn’t receive a quote on the same day. I was recommended five hotels and apartments, including a Thomas Cook holiday at the Aparthotel Ferrer Isabel, flying from Manchester on August 6, at £2,698. Another suggestion was a flight with Ryanair on July 27 from Manchester, from £3,005 half-board to £3,263 all-inclusive. The agent made the most of my budget but I had to chase up the suggestions.
Fleetway Travel
fleetwaytravel.com
45%
The agent, who I felt was unhelpful, gave two options. When I asked about facilities, they told me to look on the website – which wasn’t easy to use – and call back to book. The first suggestion was the Atlantic Hotel in Magaluf, flying from Manchester with Monarch, for £699 per person. The second was at the HSM President in Alcudia for the same price and dates. I found the agent to be unfriendly and their suggestions lacking.
Winning agent
Gemma Swari, telesales homeworker
“I’m so pleased to have won. I love my job and I am passionate about helping customers find their dream holiday. It’s an honour to be recognised.”
Verdict
Two agents provided suitable recommendations. The winner was good but even she showed a lack of attention to detail, with mistakes on the emailed quote.
Top-scoring agent each month will win use of a car for 10 days.
The winning agent must be at least 25, for insurance reasons. Winners under 25 will win a week’s all-inclusive holiday at an Elite Islands Resorts property. The prize is non-transferable and the car must be driven only by the winning agent. The winner must not have any serious driving convictions. Elite Island Resorts will endeavour to supply the car to the agency but reserves the right to request the winning agent to collect and return the car from Essex or a central location