Homeworkers
Wanted: A couple want to escape to Saint Lucia for seven to 10 nights in March. They would like a luxury all-inclusive hotel, with spa treatments available.
Budget: £6,000
The Co-operative PTA
72%
The agent was friendly, showed an interest in my enquiry and offered to call a number of suppliers to compare prices. I was given three 10-night recommendations: Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa for £5,940, Sandals Halcyon Beach for £5,200 and St James’s Club Morgan Bay for £4,341.
All holidays included flights with British Airways. I thought the recommendations fully met my needs and the agent added to the service by talking about her personal experiences of the destination. I would have liked her to have asked a few more questions about my special interests. The agent did not attempt to close the sale, but did send three emails.
Hays Travel
66%
The website was very colourful and the phone number easy to see. The agent was enthusiastic and offered to source options before calling me back within an hour. I was given three options: Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa for £8,020, St James’s Club Morgan Bay for £6,128-£6,798 and Windjammer Landing for £7,280. I was quoted 14 days rather than 10, so they were overbudget. I was not emailed photographs and no attempt was made to close the sale.
Independent Travel Experts
48%
The website looked professional but I could not find information about my preferred holiday, and the phone number wasn’t clear. The agent had a jovial manner. I was recommended a £4,500 10-night trip with Hayes & Jarvis, staying at St James’s Club Morgan Bay. I felt the agent could have asked more questions, including my budget, and given a recommendation over the phone. Instead, I was told they would follow up by email.
Winning agent
Fiona Brown, Homeworker
I have been in travel since I was 16 and with Co-op Travel for around 15 years. I’ve always been a personal travel advisor, I just love my job – I like being able to work from home and travel is my passion.
Verdict
This week’s agents were enthusiastic but all could have asked more questions to gain a better understanding of Mystery Shopper’s needs.