Travel Weekly visited agents in and around Nottingham this week to get their views on operators offering programmes to Egypt.
Although the destination as often seen as upmarket, agents said their clients tended to be on a relatively tight budget and had some concerns about the cultural differences and inoculations required for Egypt.
See how Thomson, Bales, Hayes and Jarvis and Kuoni compared.
Compiled by Julie Baxter
*****
Agents award stars for:
* Brochure design and ease of use
* Operator service and support
* Product range and quality
* Client feedback
* Product popularity
All agents remain anonymous and no additional information will be given out.
TOP OPERATOR: KUONI
Rating: *****
Brochure: Worldwide.
Description: 400-page brochure including 20 pages on Egypt. Includes tours, multi-centre packages and Nile cruises.
Reservations: tel. 01306 743000; through KUDOS; Istel KUO# or Fastrak KUO
Agents’ verdict: “This is a really eye-catching brochure with plenty of information including fine detail like visa requirements and jabs.”
“Clients know the name and can usually find something in their price range.”
“A mid to upmarket range based on scheduled flights, so it can be expensive, but at least the quality is always high. We never get any complaints about Kuoni.”
“We have had the odd administration problem but generally we like to book with Kuoni and find things go well.”
“The staff are brilliant and don’t mind checking lots of alternatives for you.
“The holidays are put together well. Kuoni is the first operator we think of for Egypt.”
HAYES AND JARVIS
Rating: ****
Brochure: Egypt and The Red Sea.
Description: 28-page brochure of packages across Egypt. Includes Luxor, Cairo, tours and Nile cruises.
Reservations: tel. 0181 222 7800; Istel HNJ# or Fastrak HNJ
Agents’ verdict: “A good-looking brochure which is easy to use.”
“Administration always comes through efficiently and clients feel they get what they pay for.”
“We don’t always get enough of the dedicated brochure but there is also a good selection in the worldwide range.”
“Clients know the name but are not aware that the company features Egypt.”
“Not cheap but good value.”
“Hard to get through but the staff are helpful once you do.”
THOMSON
Rating: ****
Brochure: Faraway Shores.
Description: 340-page brochure of worldwide holidays including 20 pages on Egypt. Includes Luxor and Nile cruises.
Reservations: through TOPS
Agents’ verdict: “the brochure is easy to follow and has lots of information about the destination, sites and excursions.”
“Some people are a bit wary about Egypt – especially the food and the jabs. The Thomson name and clear information helps to reassure them.”
“The quality may not be as high as some but clients find it excellent value for money.”
“This is easy to sell and easy to book. These holidays are certainly good value for money.”
“I think the brochure is a little bit dull but it does contain everything you need.”
BALES
Rating: ***
Brochure: Worldwide.
Description: 126-page brochure of worldwide holidays including 10 pages on Egypt. Includes escorted guided tours, packages and tailor-made itineraries. Bales formerly had dedicated brochures for Egypt.
Reservations: tel. 01306 885991
Agents’ verdict: “This is a very eye-catching brochure. It looks upmarket and sophisticated and reflects the quality of the product well.”
“Lots of good descriptive information inside and we always give it out because it explains the sites and attractions of Egypt very well.”
“A good company with a good range – but sadly it’s too expensive for our clientele so we very rarely sell from it.”
“Clients don’t really know the name but we recommend it.”