This week, Travel Weekly asked agents in and around Telford, Shropshire, for their views on programmes to Jersey.
Agents reported that client feedback for Jersey was always good and that the destination produced good levels of repeat business.
See how Preston Holidays, Travelsmith, Jersey Travel Service and Premier 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: PREMIER HOLIDAYS
Rating: *****
Brochure: Jersey and Guernsey
Description: 86-page brochure of holidays to Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm by ferry or air from 29 UK airports. Includes short breaks, camping, self-catering and island hopping.
Reservations: 01223 516000; Fastrak PRM
Agents’ verdict: “Good looking brochure with a quality, glossy feel.”
“Bright and interesting copy which is all very self-explanatory and clear. The brochure is designed well and easy to understand.”
“Pricing is straightforward.”
“Staff are brilliant – knowledgeable and very professional.”
“Clients do not really know the name of the company but it is a brochure that we reach for first, as we trust the product.”
“Feedback is excellent. We never have any complaints.”
“Accommodation is of a good quality, with mid to upmarket hotels.”
“There are useful sections on what to see and do in Jersey and Guernsey, complete with maps. The brochure is a useful selling tool.”
PRESTON HOLIDAYS
Rating: ****
Brochure: Jersey Guernsey.
Description: 92-page brochure of holidays to Jersey and Guernsey only with departures by ferry or air from 27 UK airports. Includes camping, self-catering and two-centre holidays.
Reservations: 0181-349 0311; Istel JER#
Agents’ verdict: “A nice looking brochure brimming with choice.”
“Plenty of information on the destination and accommodation, well laid out and simple to follow.”
“Booking through the system is no problem. If you ring, staff are helpful but their laid-back attitude sometimes undermines my confidence in them.”
“Generally good feedback.”
“We have had some errors with administration, but the choice is good and the price is always excellent.”
TRAVELSMITH
Rating: ***
Brochure: Jersey and Guernsey.
Description: 52-page brochure of holidays to Jersey, Guernsey, Herm, Sark and Alderney ferry or air from 28 UK airports. Includes self-catering, camping, flydrive, island hopping and touring.
Reservations: 01621 784666
Agents’ verdict: “Not a bad brochure but not one we tend to reach for most regularly.”
“All the information is there and the layout is fine.”
“Staff are helpful although their telephone manner is not always very inspiring.”
“Clients don’t ask for this by name but a few do repeat book.”
“A good value for money product range, pretty similar to that offered by other companies.”
“Primarily middle-market accommodation featured in the brochure with a range of useful offers
JERSEY TRAVEL SERVICE
Rating: ***
Brochure: Jersey and Guernsey.
Description: 108-page brochure of holidays to Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Sark with departures by ferry or air from 30 airports. Includes cottages and apartments, camping, island hopping and tours.
Reservations: 0181-891 6020; Istel or Fastrak CR2
Agents’ verdict: “Not a bad brochure but a bit dated in appearance.”
“Plenty of information inside and pretty easy to use.”
“Supplements make pricing confusing.”
“Staff are generally helpful but not terribly receptive to queries about product that is not featured in the brochure.”
“The product range is good ever year.”
“We know and like the company but it is not one we tend to turn to first when a customer asks for Jersey.”