Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Wanted: A couple are looking for a Caribbean holiday in February. They want to travel for between a week and 10 days and, if their budget allows, to upgrade their flights.
Budget: £5,250
Thomson
50 Tavern Street
90%
The shop was clean and tidy, and I was greeted as soon as I stepped through the door. The agent who assisted me was passionate about her job and eager to help. She shared her memories of visits to the Caribbean – her enthusiasm was infectious. I was asked lots of open- ended questions and the conversation flowed naturally.
The agent quoted £3,996 for a week at the Sensatori Resort Mexico, staying in a premium swim-up Jacuzzi room. The flights were for premium club seats. I felt that every aspect of my trip was looked after, but I would have liked a second quote for comparison purposes. Despite that, I would have booked with this agent because of her brilliant customer service.
Idelo Travel
4 St Nicholas Street
86%
There was a large ceramic pig sat in the window of this shop, which brought a smile to my face. I was greeted straight away by two friendly members of staff. I was offered a week at the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica for £4,139, including premium economy flights with Virgin Atlantic.p>& I was told availability was limited. Overall, I felt the sales process lacked warmth and passion, but I would have booked for the agents’ knowledge.
Thomas Cook
36 Tavern Street
79%
I was greeted within two minutes. The agent who dealt with my enquiry was friendly but not particularly proactive about finding me my perfect holiday. I was quoted £4,022 for a week at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica, with British Airways flights.
II found the agent hard to talk to and not particularly enthusiastic. Although the consultant had been to the Caribbean, they did not make any personal recommendations.
Winning agent: Emma Miles
I’m about to begin the second year of my Thomson apprenticeship. The education is execllent and enables staff to be as helpful as possible to customers. I enjoy every day I come to work.
Verdict
The agent made me excited about my holiday and thought outside the box with the Mexican Caribbean coast. Her enthusiasm for her job was infectious.
Top-scoring agent each month will win use of a Mercedes SLK 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 from Essex or a central location.