| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 08/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 15 |
| Copyright: Other |
mystery shopper
this week: Halifax
Travelworld14/16 Old Market,
Halifax HHH
Vacation Travel
4 Cornmarket,
Halifax HHHH
Going Places
4 Woolshops,Halifax HHHH
Co-op Travelcare
1 Princess Street, Halifax
HHHHH
A homely looking agency with well stocked brochure racks.
Three consultants were on duty. I was served immediately but the consultant did not know which operators offered Cuba and checked with her colleague.
I was referred to Panorama, Tradewinds and Airtours. She recommended Varadero and Panorama was singled out as the best brochure. The agency only had a shop copy of the Airtours brochure but offered to send me one. The telephone number was pointed out.
A bright looking agency with well stocked brochure racks.
The consultant said most of the faraway brochures featured Cuba and gave me First Choice Tropical, Cosmos Tropical Paradise and Airtours.
She showed me how to find the information on costings and tours and recommended Varadero for beaches. She said all type of accommodation was available but suggested all-inclusives as a good option. She offered to order a video of Cuba for me and gave me her number.
The brochure racks were well stocked and there was a toy box. Four consultants were on duty. I was asked if I just wanted brochures today or whether I was interested in checking availability. The consultant gave me Panorama and Airtours brochures. She said she had not been to Cuba but thought it looked nice and recommended all-inclusives.
She said Airtours were doing 10% discounts at the moment. The telephone number was pointed out to me so I could call back. Very friendly service.
A small neat looking agency with three consultants on duty. The consultant picked out a selection of brochures. She said Airtours was one of the cheapest options and Sovereign was quite expensive. She also gave me Thomson Faraway Shores, Hayes and Jarvis and Co-op Selection and folded-down pages about Cuba. She said Airtours were offering 10% discounts but would probably reduce that nearer to the holiday date. She said the weather would be hot but it would be the rainy season from May to October although most rain would fall at night. She gave me an approximate price for a holiday and talked about the all-inclusives. She Showed me Gazetteer which would give a truthful opinion on the accommodation. Also gave me a copy of the Travellers Right to Know leaflet which looks behind the small print in brochures. She offered to take my details and to give me a follow-up call. I said I would prefer to pop back later but the persistent consultant said she would match any price I was offered elsewhere. Very friendly and professional service.
H Agency appearance
H Staff attitude
H Brochure racking
H Agency appearance
H Product knowledge
H Staff attitude
H Brochure racking
H Agency appearance
H Staff attitude
H Product knowledge
H Brochure racking
H Staff attitude
H Agency appearance
H Sales techniqueH Brochure racking
H Product knowledge
H TOP TIPS FOR AGENTS H
Tip 1: When selling Cuba, by all means promote the all-inclusive option but be able to comment on what it would mean to go for a room-only option. Is there a good choice of inexpensive restaurants?
REQUEST
Mystery Shopper called on travel agents in Halifax this week to ask about a holiday to Cuba for three girlfriends. All the agents were comfortableselling the destination but the Co-op consultant impressed withexcellent all-roundservice and good sales technique.
HHHHH
Each week, Mystery Shopper will be calling on agents in different areas. Stars are awarded to agents which score for:
H Agency appearance
H Product knowledge
H Staff attitude
H Brochure racking
H Sales technique
The top-scoring agency each week receives a Travel Weekly certificate ofcommendation
Please notethat no additional information will be given about Mystery Shopper’s visits.