Each week, we ask four high-street travel agents for their views of current operator programmes and services.
For this week’s review we called agents in and around Camberley, Surrey, to get their views on programmes to Florida.
Agents noted that this was a highly competitive market with many operators to choose from and said that either price or maximum flexibility were key sales points.
See how Jetlife, First Choice, Style Holidays and Unijet performed under the spotlight.
*****
Agents award stars for:
* Brochure design and ease of use
* Operator service
* Programme support
* Client feedback
* Product popularity
All agents remain anonymous and no additional information will be given out.
TOP OPERATOR: UNIJET
Rating: *****
Brochure: Florida.
Description: 144-page brochure of packaged hotel and self-catering holidays across Florida. Includes two-centre holidays and cruising.
Reservations: tel. 0990 114 114; Istel and Fastrak UNI#
Agents’ verdict: “A bit of a boring front that doesn’t really stand out much but very informative and with a simple to follow layout.”
“Plenty of detail about the properties and their positions and it is particularly popular with families.”
“Generally straight-forward to book on the system which is a big bonus and encourages us to recommend them. Friendly if you do have to call.”
“Staff are very professional and helpful with any enquiries.”
“There is a good range of product on offer with a degree of flexibility.”
“Offers similar resorts and properties as Virgin and other scheduled operators but as it uses charters it is a lot cheaper.”
First Choice
Rating: ****
Brochure: Florida.
Description: 100-page brochure of self-catering and hotel packages across Florida. Includes twin-centre holidays, cruising, flydrive and weddings.
Reservations: tel. 0161 745 7000; Istel or Fastrak 1#
Agents’ verdict: “Quite a bright brochure but not the most memorable. We use this a fair amount but the layout can be a bit confusing.”
“Getting through is awful and it puts us off using this for anything other than basic packages that can be booked on the system.”
“Administration is brilliant and brochure supplies are no problem. Good for bog standard basic packages for families and the mid to lower end of the market. One we turn to for those on a tight budget.”
Jetlife Holidays
Rating: ****
Brochure: Florida Preview 1999.
Description: 36-page brochure of inclusive tours, tailor-made, self-catering and hotel holidays across Florida. Used in conjunction with the Jetlife Holidays America programme that includes 64 pages of Florida product plus holidays across the US.
Reservations: tel. 01322 614801.
Agents’ verdict: “A good looking brochure with a real American feel.”
“Stands out well and is informative and easy to use.”
“A good mix of accommodation and tour options and plenty of flexibility.”
“Popular with clients and we certainly recommend them.”
“Administration is good but can sometimes be slow.”
Style Holidays
Rating: ***
Brochure: Florida.
Description: 172-page brochure of villas and homes with pools, apartments, hotels and resorts in Florida. Includes flydrive and multi-centre deals.
Reservations: tel. 0181 568 1999; Fastrak STY; Istel STY#
Agents’ verdict: “An eye-catching brochure, bright and colourful but not terribly evocative of the US.”
“Plenty of details about the properties but costings can be pretty complex and we usually have to ring.”
“Some clients do know and ask for the company by name and those who have been have reported back very favourably.”
“Product range is good and we turn to it most for the villas.”
“Administration is fine but brochure supplies are appalling.”