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This week we went undercover in Deansway in search of a Cyprus break - the winner pulled in a top score
The mystery shopper visited two travel agencies in Worcester and requested a week-long holiday for two people in Cyprus in early September, with a budget of £1,500.
They then made two Google.co.uk searches using the term ‘Cyprus holiday’.
Spires Travel
Heart of Worcestershire College, Deansway
Mystery Shopper said: The shop was clean with a variety of brochures neatly displayed. The consultant who greeted me was friendly and welcoming. They asked relevant questions, made a list of my requirements and explained they had been to Cyprus several times before; they seemed experienced and knowledgeable. They showed me hotels they personally recommended and gave reasons why.
We decided on the Capo Bay Hotel, priced at £1,553, but the consultant gave me a £53 discount to bring it within budget. They checked other board options, dates, flight times and airports to see if they could bring the price down. The consultant suggested I check reviews online and get back to them if I decided the selected hotel wasn’t right. They gave me their contact number and said to call even outside opening times if I wanted to book or had questions. They made booking a holiday easy, fun and exciting.
Paul Knapper
Manager
Spires Travel
How long have you been in travel?
Seventeen years, and at Spires for four years. The store closed down last July and I was made redundant, but I bought it and reopened it in October 2015.
Do you have any Cyprus selling tips?
I would suggest agents see it first-hand. When you’ve been there you can make personal recommendations.
What destinations are selling well?
Turkey is doing well at the moment, as are the Canary Islands and Canada. Iceland did well over Christmas too.
What places would you still like to visit?
I’d love to go to Canada. I’ve done a lot of Europe and beach holidays – I want somewhere with a bit more variation.
How many people work in the agency?
Just me, but we are in a college so two travel students come in and do work experience.
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.
