Mystery Shopper: Huddersfield travel agents sell Egypt

The place: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

The brief: A couple are looking for a week-long winter sun break to Egypt, staying in a four-star or above all-inclusive.

 

The budget: Up to £1,200.

Jetset Travel

 

101 Lidget Street Score: 41%

 

This was a short visit of only 10 minutes. The shop was in a good location and was well presented outside. Once inside, the consultant promptly offered to help.

 

She was friendly enough, but seemed a little impatient and gave the impression that she wanted to hand over the brochures without giving much additional information. She had a bit of knowledge about the area and weather, but didn't appear to know the differences between the resorts.

 

She was difficult to engage with and didn't really cover the request, handing over Longwood Holidays and First Choice brochures and asking me to come back when I had decided where to stay. She was unable to accrue more points because of the short consultation.

Thomas Cook

 

42 New Street Score: 70%

 

The consultant here was the only one who could tell me that Sharm el-Sheikh was better for scuba diving than Hurghada. She listened carefully to my request and had a friendly manner.

 

She suggested the Amwaj Oyoun Hotel costing £1,252 through Thomas Cook, or the Oriental Resort costing £1,206 with Airtours, both in Sharm. She said there wouldn't be much difference but there would be better facilities at the more expensive hotels.

 

Although both prices were slightly over budget, she said it was better than recommending somewhere that wouldn't meet my requirements. She scored more than Travel Experience for advice and product knowledge, but overall, the rival agency edged one point ahead for scoring higher on customer service.

Travel Experience

 

15 North Road, Kirkburton Score: 71%

 

This agency was well designed, with a raised section at the rear. I was soon acknowledged and after explaining my requirements, the agent started a search.

 

She checked a reviews website, letting me read the reviews of her suggested hotels and view photos. The quotes included the St George Three Corners Resort, costing £1,241 with Cosmos, or the Sierra Hotel, through Longwood Holidays, costing £1,244.

 

Before I left, the agent gave me a business card and asked for my details. She didn't give me any brochures, just printouts from the operator's booking system to take away with me, which  didn't give many details apart from flight times, hotel names and the prices.

 

However, the agent was very friendly and enthusiastic. She took my contact details and offered to look out for any deals.

Althams Travel

 

26 Cross Church Street Score: 86%

 

The window display was very clear and had the added bonus of an out-of-hours number. The agent who served me was very friendly and enthusiastic, writing down all my requirements and asking lots of questions.

 

She had a relaxed approach and her product knowledge was brilliant, describing the area and weather, and recommending excursions. She used her experiences of visiting the area to suggest hotels.

 

All quotes were from Jet2Holidays, including £1,047 at the Rehana Resort or £1,226 at the Serenity Makadi Heights hotel. The agent included prices of higher rated accommodation as an option to consider if we wanted a more spectacular hotel.

 

While searching, she showed me photos of the hotels and gave me specific printouts of each one to take away, with full details of the facilities and the full package price.

 

Winning agent: Alicia Jackson, travel consultant

 

"I have been to Egypt and stayed in Sharm el-Sheikh and I was able to tell the Mystery Shopper about the activities available. For accommodation I try to find out exactly what customers want, in terms of star rating, board and budget.”

Tips: Selling Egypt

1. Egypt offers great value for money and reliable sunshine all winter. Even in January and February temperatures in Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada hit 20C or 21C – and the water temperature is only a degree lower. 
2. For those who like it hot, consider the resorts of Marsa Alam and Port Ghalib. They are further south than Sharm or Hurghada, so are even warmer in winter. 
3. Sharm has a more concentrated centre, especially when it comes to nightlife. Hurghada's resorts are more spread out, though there is a central marina with many upmarket restaurants. 
4. Couples looking for peace and quiet should consider the Sharks Bay area of Sharm and Makadi Bay in Hurghada.
5. For more details on hotels in Egypt, visit gazetteers.com