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This week we’re in Loughborough shopping for a week in Cape Verde during carnival.
The mystery shopper visited two travel agencies in Loughborough and requested a week’s B&B in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, during carnival (February 9, 2016), for two, with a maximum budget of £2,000.
They then made two Google.co.uk searches using the term ‘Cape Verde Holiday’
Millington Travel
33-34 Millington Place
Score: 82%
Mystery Shopper said: Both the shop’s interior and exterior were clean and tidy. A consultant smiled at me when I entered and showed me to a free desk to chat about my enquiry. The consultant was friendly and professional at all times – and immediately knew exactly the right company to ring. They established all my needs, bar budget, and I was involved in the research process and shown online reviews of different properties.
It was clear that only limited accommodation was available on the island on the dates given, but I felt the consultant did their best to find something suitable. They suggested the three-star Don Paco Hotel with The Cape Verde Experience, at £2,220. The consultant was thorough and also suggested one night’s stay at an airport hotel prior to departure as our flight would leave early in the morning. They recommended I book as soon as possible to guarantee prices and also followed up with a call a day later.
Sharon Staples
senior travel consultant
Millington Travel
How long have you worked in travel?
I’ve spent 38 years at independent agencies. No two days are the same here!
Do you get a lot of bookings for Cape Verde?
We have had a couple of bookings. A lot of people are asking for places with sunshine, and that’s a place we often suggest.
Have you visited Cape Verde?
No, but I would like to at some point.
What is selling well these days?
Cruises, tailor-made trips to the Far East, and a bit of America.
What’s on your travelling bucket list?
South Africa to see the big five, and I would love to go somewhere to see the Northern Lights. I also have a break in the Canary Islands planned for spring next year.
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.
