This week, Travel Weekly asked agents in and around Wigan, Lancashire, for their views on programmes to Portugal.
Agents said their clients were primarily families and couples travelling on a budget.
See how Magic Travel Group, Sunworld, First Choice and Style Holidays 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: STYLE HOLIDAYS
Rating: *****
Brochure: Algarve and Madeira.
Description: 164-page brochure of private villas with pools, apartments and hotels in the Algarve and Madeira. Includes flydrive holidays.
Reservations: tel. 0181-568 1999; Fastrak STY or Istel STYl#
Agents’ verdict: “An appealing front cover and a splendid layout inside.”
“Extremely simple to follow, with all the most vital information simply shown in key form, so you can get the basics without much reading.”
“You have to flick around a little for the prices, but discounts and flight supplements are clear and they are always presented in a straight-forward way.”
“It is well-known with our clients as always being good on price.”
“A decent mid-market range covering all the most popular resorts.”
“We find the reservations staff are friendly and helpful but we rarely have to ring. All the details you need are in the brochure”
“The feedback we get from clients is very positive and administration is good.”
“Style Holidays has a slight edge on its rivals.”
SUNWORLD
Rating: ****
Brochure: Portugal
Description: 84-page brochure of self-catering, all-inclusive and hotel holidays in northern Portugal, the Algarve, Madeira and the Lisbon Coast. Includes fly-drive, two centre and golfing options.
Reservations: 0113-255 5222; Istel and Fastrak LTS
Agents’ verdict: “An eye-catching brochure which does get picked up.”
“Cheap and cheerful product range which is honestly described and attractively priced.”
“Brochure layout is clear and straight-forward.”
“Product is very simple to book through the system which rarely causes any problems.”
“Popular with families.”
FIRST CHOICE
Rating: ****
Brochure: Portugal and Madeira.
Description: 148-page brochure of hotel and self-catering holidays in Madeira, the Algarve and northern Portugal. Includes two centre, golf, walking and long-stay holidays.
Reservations: 0161-745 7000; Istel or Fastrak 1#
Agents’ verdict: “A bright and colourful brochure with plenty of information inside.”
“Easy to read with most details covered well.”
“Booking is easy through the system and product range is good for families and those on a tight budget.”
“Free child places generate a lot of interest and all discounts and deals are clearly detailed throughout the brochure.”
MAGIC TRAVEL GROUP
Rating: ***
Brochure: Magic of Spain and Portugal.
Description: 244-page brochure of self-catering and hotel holidays in Spain and Portugal. Includes the Algarve, Madeira, the Lisbon Coast and northern Portugal. Features paradores and pousadas, coach tours and two centre holidays.
Reservations: 0181-741 1181; Istel 76# or Fastrak ISS
Agents’ verdict: “An attractive, comprehensive brochure but not in great demand.”
“Quite a complex brochure because of the wide choice offered with good flexibility.”
“A superb company we love to do business with but rather too expensive for most clients.”
“Excellent for the second or third-time visitor.”