MYSTERY SHOPPER WIN MY BOOKING


INVERNESS


WANTED: A couple want to spend about 10 days in the Indian Ocean, perhaps in the Maldives. They are keen to stay in an overwater bungalow and want details on activities and dining options. BUDGET: £5,500


WINNING AGENT


TRAVEL CONSULTANT MICHELLE SMITH


‘ VERDICT


All three agents offered suitable quotes and service. Thomas Cook came top, as the agent was the friendliest and provided the most detailed information. Tui’s quotes were for seven-day holidays rather than 10, and the Alba quotes came later via email.


The Maldives is a little unusual for


me as we tend to sell Mauritius when it comes to the Indian Ocean. We had a picture on our


wall of a Sandals overwater villa, so we also considered the Caribbean, because a two-for-one sale was due.


Thomas Cook 13 INGLIS STREET


The shop was well organised. An enthusiastic agent greeted me


immediately and showed me plenty of colourful photos on the computer. We talked about resorts, restaurants and activities such as diving, snorkelling and island-hopping. She said she would email details of a two-for-one Sandals offer for the Caribbean later. Both


quotes were for 10 days’ all-inclusive stays in overwater villas, flying from Glasgow in September with Emirates to Malé, via Dubai. The first was at Summer Island Maldives for £6,029, and the second was Kuredu Island Resort & Spa for £5,677. They were a little over budget, but I felt like a valued customer.


82% THIS WEEK’S WINNER


78%


Tui Holiday Store EASTGATE SHOPPING CENTRE


SCORING SYSTEM


10% Appearance/first impressions


25% Customer service


25% Advice and product knowledge


25% Holiday details 15% Overall experience


The shop and staff looked professional, and the agent who served me was chatty and helpful. I was given quotes for two


seven-night holidays, flying from Glasgow with Emirates in September, staying in overwater villas. The first was at


Veligandu Island Resort & Spa for £5,390, and the second for £4,936 at Meeru Island Resort & Spa. They were shorter


holidays than I had requested, but I would have been happy to have booked here.


77%


Alba Travel 43 CHURCH STREET


The window display was stylish and interesting. The agent greeted me and


took copious notes about my dates and budget. She said she would have to contact suppliers to find holidays that


met my requirements. The agent emailed me quotes for two 10-night holidays in


September, flying from Glasgow: £5,307 in a water bungalow at Sun Island Resort & Spa and £5,439 for a water villa room at Kuredu Island Resort & Spa.


40travelweekly.co.uk18 April 2019


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