Mystery Shopper: Dudley travel agents sell the Seychelles

Mystery Shopper was stretching her budget this week with a romantic holiday to the Seychelles. However, she was still looking for a good deal (see this week’s Seychelles on a budget feature).

Apart from Courtesy Travel, there seemed to be a lack of choice from the agencies. The First Choice agent did well to try and switch-sell to the Maldives, which Mystery Shopper would have seriously considered had she been a real customer.

The target: Dudley, West Midlands
Wanted: A good deal on a romantic holiday to the Seychelles

First Choice

Unit 5, Dudley Street, Sedgley
Score: 84%

The agents were drinking coffee and chatting when I walked in. I explained the request and after checking the Hayes and Jarvis website the agent said they only had the Hilton available, costing more than £4,000. Her colleague interjected, saying the Maldives had the same climate and similar hotels, but was much cheaper.

They both chatted to me about the cost of holidaying in the Maldives, while looking up Kuoni product.

She then said she had found a much better price with a direct flight, staying at Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort for 12 nights, costing £2,260 twin-share on a bed and breakfast basis.

She said I could borrow their only brochure for a couple of days. I would recommend the agency, but would have liked more choice.

The Co-operative Travel

44 High Street, Dudley
Score: 88%

The agent here was patient, responding to questions calmly and clearly. She asked about budget, whether we had a specific island in mind, and about accommodation.

The consultant asked how long I had. When I said I only had 20 minutes, she said it would take longer than that, but I offered to stay.

She phoned one operator to speak to an expert, however, the call took so long that she hung up and rang Gold Medal instead.

The quote was £3,150 for two at Le Meridien Barbarons. She emailed me a brochure after I left the agency.

Although I was impressed by the lengths she went to to find a suitable holiday, it was frustrating that I was in the agency for more than 45 minutes and left with details of only two options, both at the same hotel.

Thomas Cook

216 High Street
Score: 89%

The agents were helpful and keen to meet my needs, though I would have appreciated a little excitement. The agent phoned an operator to get quotes, while a second agent found a brochure.

The quotes included Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort on a bed and breakfast basis. The cost was £2,920 twin-share with Thomas Cook Signature Worldwide.

The second agent suggested paying £28 extra per night to go all-inclusive because she said the Seychelles is expensive once you get there. Insurance and car parking was discussed, and I was advised to book soon as the prices were for a limited time only.

I was impressed with the service, both agents worked hard, but at one point I felt a bit overwhelmed as they were both asking questions at the same time.

Courtesy Travel

1 Union Street
Score: 90%

I had to press a buzzer to enter, but was let in immediately. The agent gave me four different options. Paradise Sun with Gold Medal was the most expenstive costing £2,253 per person, while Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort with Kuoni costing £1,340 per person was the cheapest.

Other suggestions included Romance Bungalows and Anse Soleil Beachcomber Hotel. She appeared very excited at the discovery of such low prices and printed off all the details, telling me to call her to discuss anything further.

The agent knew some of the information immediately, for example when the hurricane season is. I left with printouts of the properties, but would have liked the brochure. The agent was friendly and polite and seemed excited by my request. I had total confidence in her advice and was impressed with the service.

Tips

1. The Seychelles Tourist Board has set up a website of small, good value hotels called Seychelles Secrets. 
   
2. Seychelles specialists Elite Vacations feature many of these properties and others catering to those with a smaller budget. 
   
3. The Seychelles Secrets collection also features self-catering properties for those who want to save more money by eating in. 
   
4. Not many hotels in the Seychelles are sold on an all-inclusive basis, but tell clients they can eat out cheaply at little local restaurants, spending between £10 and £25 a head. Remind clients to budget for excursions – these tend to be relatively pricey but really allow visitors to make the most of the islands.
   
5. For more product knowledge about the Seychelles visit Gazetteers. The site also contains photos of resorts and hotel reviews from fellow travel agents.

Behind the scenes

The independent agency was able to offer the most diverse accommodation this week. How much are you hindered by your preferred suppliers?

Go to our Community Editor’s blog for commentary and discussion…