FRONTLINE
KIM KENT branch manager, Spear Travels, Wolverhampton
I returned from annual leave to a
warm welcome from my staff, who had been extremely busy and, on some days, struggled to meet clients’ demands. I always feel a little guilty when this happens, but there is no pattern these days as to when we are going to be busy, so I wasn’t to know. But I am proud of the team, as they have managed to double our target and left our end-of-year figures looking very respectable.
GREECE IS THE WORD I have always wanted to explore more of Greece, and over the past few years I have travelled to many of the islands – and it’s so much easier to sell it if you have seen it. This year, we chose Skopelos and Skiathos, staying in boutique town hotels. We normally go for a villa with car hire but this time we decided on a different option and used local transport to get around. Our first island was Skopelos, which is an hour by ferry from Skiathos. This, of course, is the island where Mamma Mia! was filmed – and if you haven’t been, I would recommend it. The scenery doesn’t disappoint. The town has a perfect horseshoe harbour rising upwards from the water, with white facades and terracotta red roofs. Skopelos is the larger of the two islands but less commercialised. The waterfront has some high-quality shops and restaurants. Many of the
24 26 OCTOBER 2023 The island has 60 beaches, AGENT
You can’t beat seeing a place to help sell it, as my recent visits to three Greek islands have demonstrated
sand/shingle beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters. These are located mainly on the west side of the island and can be easily reached by bus. Skiathos Town, on the other hand, is far busier and has a different vibe. The town’s landmark is its natural harbour, which is a haven for yachts and adds a cosmopolitan flair. It attracts many young visitors, so the waterfront is bustling with music bars. However, solace can be found in the narrow alleys behind pretty squares that are home to traditional churches and tavernas. There are also many upmarket shops in the winding streets.
with Koukounaries the standout attraction. The large sandy beach is a popular option, not least because you can hire a boat or go on a trip from here to explore other islands. A two-centre holiday is an ideal option as it adds variety and a little adventure, making it a great option for you and your clients.
CRETE EXPECTATIONS More recently, I have returned from Crete, where I was invited by Classic Collection Holidays, one of our preferred suppliers, to help celebrate its 35th birthday. We stayed at the Abaton Island Resort & Spa, a truly luxurious five-star hotel, in Hersonissos. The trip was packed with fabulous experiences and we enjoyed some excellent food, several excursions, a spa treatment, party nights, prizes, entertainment – and a free bar throughout. Having never visited Crete, this was a fabulous opportunity to see some of the island and meet the friendly Classic team. I would have no hesitation in recommending Crete at this time of year, as the weather was good, or the Abaton hotel. This is one of the perks of working hard, so thank you Classic Collection for a wonderful time.
DINNER TOOK ME BACK IN TIME
On our first evening in Skiathos, we decided on
pizza/pasta for dinner. After consulting some online reviews, I chose a small family-run
restaurant in the back streets of the town. It proved to be a good choice as this taverna became increasingly busy
throughout our meal. After a while, I noticed a lady was looking over to our table. I ignored her at first, but then she got up and came over. She asked if my name was Kim, to which I said ‘yes’ – it turned out we had worked together 37 years ago for Pickfords Travel. It’s a small world...
Caption
travelweekly.co.uk
David ClareHelen Sharon Colin David ClareHelen Sharon Colin diary diary
Kim
Kim
PICTURE: Shuterstock/Leoks
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