I read with interest the comments made by Rafi Caplin of Longwood Holidays, regarding agents educational visits (Travel Weekly March 13).
I consider myself to be immensely fortunate to have participated in a Longwood educational to Israel last December.
Although I have travelled to Israel previously and have been keen to promote it, my visit to Eilat has completely changed my perceptions. Not only has my own enthusiasm about the resort resulted in many new winter sun and Easter destination bookings, but my own diving experiences, gained during the trip, have widened our customer network greatly.
My enthusiasm for Israel in general and the resort of Eilat in particular has generated a huge amount of interest in our office, resulting in more bookings being confirmed since my return than in the previous five years.
So, Mr Caplin, I’m more than grateful to you for helping me to promote your excellent products (but please can you send us more brochures because we never have enough) and I hope you reconsider your decision – I know educationals work.
Joanne Curtis
Senior sales consultant
Thomas Cook
Cirencester