WANTED
A retired couple want a short break to visit the Christmas market in Berlin. They don’t mind if they travel by coach or
by air, they just want the most convenient option. They would like information about sights and information about the range of accommodation available and transport options. They’re flexible about dates and timings.
BUDGET: £1,200 THE VERDICT
There was a wide range of hotels offered to the shopper. The agents at Jimmy Martin Travel won over the shopper because she was so confident and knowledgeable, speaking from personal experience and offered to book transfers, restaurants and excursions. The Barrhead agent seemed inexperienced and the quotes were well under budget, while the Thomas Cook agent was casually dressed and did not appear enthusiastic.
WINNING AGENT
SENIOR TRAVEL CONSULTANT Deborah McGlashan
We get a lot of requests for Christmas markets, usually along with
river cruises in Vienna, Budapest and Germany. I have done the one in Berlin – personal experience is the best. I have been in travel for 27 years, and at this agency for 10 years.
SCORING SYSTEM
10% Appearance/first impressions 25% Customer service 25% Advice and product knowledge 25% Holiday details 15% Overall experience
jimmy martin travel 94 RAEBURN PLACE
IMPRESSIONS: The shop front was clean, although it looked dark and I was not sure it was open. Employees were smart and the brochure display was neat.
SERVICE: The shop was busy but I spoke to a friendly agent immediately. She said she had been on a festive Berlin river cruise and talked confidently about public transport and Christmas markets, as well as areas of historical interest. She didn’t try to close the sale but suggested I get in touch when ready to book. I was offered airport transfers and given quotes, and the agent also offered to book restaurants and excursions.
QUOTES: Both quotes were for a three-night break with Osprey Holidays, in December, departing from Edinburgh. The first was flying out with Ryanair and back with easyJet to allow more time in Berlin with a stay in a premium room at Hotel Melia on a B&B basis. It cost £1,528 including transfers. The second was flying with easyJet and staying at Hotel Steinberger on a B&B basis for £1,265, but with seat bookings and transfers the total would reach £1,400. This was for a suite but the agent said we could look at cheaper room options.
OVERALL: I was very keen on the holidays offered because of the confident, knowledgeable service, although both quotes were over budget.
86% 36 22 AUGUST 2019
travelweekly.co.uk
THIS WEEK’S WINNER
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