Location: Carlisle, Cumbria
Wanted: A couple would like a 10-day holiday in Mauritius in September to celebrate their anniversary. They want to relax, but would also like the opportunity to explore the island.
Budget: £2,800
Dawson & Sanderson
31 Lowther Street
90%
The friendly and helpful agent handed me a business card and took my contact details. I was offered four 10-night holidays with Gold Medal, flying from Newcastle with Emirates on September 6: the Veranda Grand Baie Hotel & Spa (£2,892), Tamarina Golf & Spa Boutique Hotel (£2,624), and Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa (£2,475). The final suggestion – the Sugar Beach Golf & Spa Resort – was over my budget at £3,575, but the agent included it because of its popularity. I was also informed about excursions to the Black Gorge, car hire and upgrade options. The agent was fairly knowledgeable about the island and was quick to source information.
Thomas Cook
15 English Street
89%
The shop was welcoming and the well-presented staff acknowledged me immediately. The agent was helpful and patient, and took my contact details so they could follow up my request. I was offered two 11-night stays, flying with Emirates from Newcastle: half-board at the Preskil Beach Resort (£2,648) and half-board at the Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa (£2,760). Car hire, excursions and upgrades were mentioned.
Thomson
43 Scotch Street
79%
The agent who served me was helpful and enthusiastic. I was recommended 10 nights’ half-board at the Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa, flying with Emirates from Newcastle, for £2,800. The agent had little destination knowledge and obtained most of the information online. I would have preferred visual material. The store lacked posters in the window, but I liked the spacious modern design inside.
Winning agent
Lyndsey Campbell-Casson, assistant store manager
“I am so pleased to have won, especially after 26 years working in travel and never being mystery shopped. I treat customers how I would want to be treated and give them the time they need.”
Verdict
The winning agent was helpful and provided a variety of options, despite two being over budget.
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