Each week, Travel Weekly asks 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 Fareham, Hampshire, to get their opinions on programmes to Croatia and Slovenia.
Agents reported that clients were often unsure about the geography of the region and were worried by the on-going disputes in neighbouring countries. Those that understood the situation and went to the areas were very impressed with the product.
See how Thomson , Holiday Options, Transun and Balkan Holidays performed.
*****
Agents awarded 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: TRANSUN
Brochure: Transun’s Croatia.
Description: 82-page brochure of hotel, self-catering and all-inclusive holidays in 20 Croatian resorts including Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Makarska and Istria.
Reservations: tel. 01865 798888
Agents’ verdict: “A lovely looking brochure which is really quite inspiring.”
“A few clients ask for this by name and it is certainly our first choice when asked about Croatia.”
“A small company that gives agents good service and pays attention to detail.”
“Staff are helpful and have a more intimate knowledge of the region than many others.”
“A mid to upmarket range with plenty of choice at a fair price.”
“We don’t sell a great number, but the feedback is good from those who go.”
“Actually, I thought this was the only company that did Croatia – it’s the only one we use.”
“Certainly my favourite. The product range is good and staff really know their stuff.”
Rating: *****
BALKAN HOLIDAYS
Brochure: Summer Sun ’99
Description: 84-page brochure of beach and mountain hotel holidays in Bulgaria and Romania, with nine pages of Croatia, and Slovenia. Includes Lake Bled, the Makaraska Riviera, Dubrovnik, Portoroz and Kranjska Gora.
Reservations: tel 0171 543 5555; Fastrak BLK or Istel 311#
Agents’ verdict:
“A bright, attractive brochure which stands out well”
“A familiar format which is simple to follow and pretty informative”
“Staff are helpful and the system is easy to use and useful for late deals”
“A good company to deal with and nice brochure”
Rating: ****
HOLIDAY OPTIONS
Brochure: Dalmation Riviera.
Description: 56-page brochure of hotel, self-catering and sailing holidays in Croatia and its islands. It includes two-centre holidays, tours and flotilla holidays.
Reservations: tel. 01444 244499 or 0161 877 9090.
Agents’ verdict:
“A nicely presented brochure with a good deal of information about all the islands and resorts.”
“We rack it but we don’t sell much from it.”
“There is quite a comprehensive range of products with a very good mix of accommodation types.”
“We know the company for its Corsica and Sardinia range and find the staff good, but we don’t get much demand.”
Rating: ***
THOMSON BREAKAWAY
Brochure: Lakes and Mountains.
Description: A 220-page brochure of holidays to Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Andorra, Spain, Madeira, Croatia and Slovenia. Includes flydrive, Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Bovec, Kranjska Gora and the Slovenian coast, Plitvice and Dubrovnik.
Reservations: through TOPS.
Agents’ verdict:
“We do rack this but we try not to sell it.”
“Easy to book through the system but staff are decidedly unpleasant and have even hung up on me.”
“Clients know the name and if they are uncertain about safety, they are reassured when they know a big name like Thomson operates there.”
Rating: **