AGENT INSIGHT

Sandra Murray

NORMANTON, YORKSHIRE

ANOTHER MIXED week!

Nice to hear Chris Redfern is still in the travel industry; he is really delighted to be working with an agent-friendly brand and hopefully building partnerships with everyone. I am sure he will be an asset to Premier Holidays. I also heard from David Castle, who now looks after Sandals & Beach Resorts (he used to be at Red Sea Holidays). I’ve told them both about the Yorkshire Ball – don’t forget to put July 20 in your diaries!

I really think what is on TV gives people ideas, whether it be river cruising, summer sun, or skiing – it all helps.

When I had my shop I used to wear a different t-shirt every day from a country I had been to or special animals I had taken photos of (the orangutans in Borneo, gorillas in Uganda, etc.).

It was amazing how many people would come through the door and say "Where has she been today?" and I was surprised how many people would say "Oh I fancy there, let’s have a look at some holidays!" I know its more difficult to wear T shirts if you are not an independant agent but you could always have ‘fun’ days where one member of staff would wear a T shirt advertising another country and hand out holidays to that destination. Hope that gives some of you ideas – good luck!

On the North African feature, Egypt was always popular, either from a historical point of view, or diving! I got my PADI certificate in Sharm El Sheikh and people think it's more ‘real’ to do it there than in this country and want to book holidays so that they can learn to dive as well.

'Dreams come true for those who work while they dream.'

Free tours and city extensions with Riviera Travel

RIVIERA TRAVEL is offering guests a free tour or city break extension on river cruises to the Danube or Rhine departing in October 2023. Customers who book any upper deck cabin or deluxe or superior suites are entitled to a free three-night tour extension or independent city stay after sailing.

The offer applies to 14 of Riviera’s departures across four of its Danube and Rhine itineraries, essentially giving guests a 10-night experience for the price of seven.

Guests travelling on the Danube cruise can join an escorted tour in either Budapest or Prague, and for those on the Rhine cruise, they can enjoy stays in either Basel or Cologne. www.rivieratravel.co.uk