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This week our spy headed to Peterborough to shop for a seven-night holiday in the Azores. Meet the consultant who clinched the sale…
The mystery shopper visited two travel agencies in Peterborough and requested a seven-night holiday in the Azores during the May half-term for two adults and one child with a budget of between £1,500 and £1,800.
They then made two Google.co.uk searches using the term ‘Azores Holiday’.
Mystery Shopper said: The Archipelago Choice website was the first to come up in my search and looked attractive and professional. It was also quick and easy to navigate.
When I called the consultant tried to push me back to the website - they wanted me to find the holiday online and call when I was ready to book, and as such I wasn’t asked detailed questions and had to offer the consultant all my requirements.
I received a quote via email, which arrived within the timeframe promised. I was only given one option, but the holiday was almost within my budget at £1,829, and included seven nights’ B&B at Hotel Camoes in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, plus transfers and car hire.
It seemed good value for money and possible excursions were also referenced in the friendly email. It showed that despite my initial feelings the consultant had listened to my needs.
Emma Ryan, travel consultant, Archipelago Choice
Have you always been in travel?
Before Archipelago Choice I worked for a company that organised challenge events. I’ve been here for just over a year now.
How many times have you visited the Azores?
Three times now, mainly staying on Sao Miguel Island, but also visiting Faial, Pico and Terceira.
What are some of the main attractions?
They’re volcanic in origin so the landscape is fascinating: there are huge craters with lakes in the middle and a rocky coastline.
When do you recommend clients to visit?
Between March and October is peak season.
What’s the easiest way to get there?
There’s a direct flight from Gatwick on Saturdays, which takes around four hours.
Any holidays booked for 2015?
I’ve got a trek booked in Kurdistan in April.
| TTG has teamed up with React Surveys to simulate a realistic booking process each week – that means a mystery shopper looking for the best deal from agents and operators on the high street, online, on TV or in newspapers. The Mystery Shopper research is carried out on behalf of TTG by React Surveys, and no further details or information can be disclosed. Researchers take into consideration first impression, sales process, product and budget match and extras offered before giving an unbiased opinion of which channel/company they would have booked with on that occasion. We do not claim that the winner is the best in an area or specialist sector, as we may report on competing travel firms in the future. Please note that the aim of Mystery Shopper is not to criticise individual agents or companies, but to promote good sales technique for the benefit of all in the travel trade. |
