Agencies battle to win the top agent crown
WANTED: A HOLIDAY TO CHINA
Mystery Shopper and a friend would like to travel around China for two weeks. They would like to visit Beijing, Xian, Shanghai and Chengdu in particular, and are looking for the best tour options that offer some flexibility and free time. They would like additional information about the sorts of activities they can enjoy in each city and advice on some good places to eat. Their budget is $10,000 in total.
FIRST PLACE: 80%
TOP AGENT: Benjamin Scott, Flight Centre, Beach St, Frankston, Vic
When I entered the agency Benjamin looked up and smiled, asking how he could be of assistance. I told him I wanted information on travelling to China. Benjamin invited me to take a seat and asked me if I had ever travelled there before. I told him I hadn't and he suggested I should consider a tour. He explained that it was a big country and the language barrier made it difficult to travel independently. I told him I was happy to take a tour as long as it was not too rigid and if offered some flexibility. I mentioned that I wanted to see Beijing, Xian, Chengdu and Shanghai. Benjamin then went on to tell me about activities and landmarks in each of these cities. It was suggested we go later than February as it was very cold and wet at that time. A Wendy Wu China brochure was brought over and I was told that the company offered the best tours in China. The Majestic Yangtze tour was suggested; he said that a river cruise made the difference between a good holiday and an amazing holiday. He also suggested the Glories of China tour, which included trips to regional areas. Benjamin then spoke about Guilin and Hangzhou and the surrounding regions, showing me pictures on his computer. I asked about the food in China and he told me the main courses were usually very good but the entrees were often made from strange ingredients and were not always appetising to Western tastes. He said that with the Wendy Wu tours the food was included so I wouldn't have to worry as much. Benjamin said he would quote me on two tours as both were within my budget. He then printed me off a quote, including airfares, which he placed inside the Wendy Wu brochure and handed to me. I was given a business card and invited to call him if I had any questions.
How long have you worked as a travel agent? Three years.
How long have you worked at your present agency? Just one month.
What's your favourite destination to sell and why? I like selling Tahiti, preferably all inclusive packages to the St Regis.
If you could book yourself a holiday right now (money is no object) where would it be and why? I'd probably visit Liechtenstein with a couple of close friends. I have always wanted to hire an entire country for the night.
What destination do you sell the most of? It is a toss up between Bali and Thailand. South East Asia dominates our market.
What's the most embarrassing thing that's happened to you while travelling? Being the last person to leave a pub on a river in the middle of the jungle in Laos. I was really embarrassed when I realised it was a six kilometre swim home in the dark or a 30km walk. I opted for the swim.
Which four famous people (dead or alive) would you invite to a dinner party? Cleopatra, Richard Branson, Dynamo the Magician and Jesus.
Who is your dream travel partner? Princess Zara Phillips.
What is the strangest place you have ever travelled to? Kashmir during Ramadan. Music filled the streets and everywhere you looked there was a backdrop of the Himalayas. It was like a cross between Turkey and Nepal.
If you were stranded on a desert island and only allowed one item, what would it be? An iPhone.
SECOND PLACE: 73% Jetset Travel, Olsen St, Frankston, Vic
The agent smiled as I entered and offered assistance. I said I was after information about travelling to China. I was offered a seat and I explained that I wished to travel to Beijing, Xian, Chengdu and Shanghai and wanted information about activities including dining in each city. I said we were planning to go in February and the agent suggested we visit in April or later, as it was very cold in February. When asked if we wanted a tour or to travel independently, I explained that a tour would be fine as long as there was some flexibility. I was handed Peregrine Adventures and Travel Indochina brochures. Flicking through them with me, the agent said there were a few tours going to the four locations I had mentioned, including the China Culinary Journey offered by Travel Indochina. We established that I required four-star accommodation and that I had no airline preference. The agent offered to put a quote together for me, which was received via email the same day. I received a follow up call a few days later.
THIRD PLACE: 63% Harvey World Travel, Wells St, Frankston, Victoria
After entering and being greeted, I explained that I was after information on travelling to China. The agent then asked whether I wanted to travel independently or take a tour. I said that a flexible tour would work fine and that I was hoping to visit Beijing, Xian, Chengdu and Shanghai. The agent retrieved Wendy Wu Tours and Harvey's Choice Holidays Hong Kong and China brochures and started looking through them. They recommended the China Splendour and Majestic Yangtze trips. While waiting on the phone with a tour operator the agent said they could arrange an independent tour for me, which might be more suitable, and would incorporate the cities I wished to travel to. I asked if they could provide me with information about activities in each city and good places to eat. My contact details were requested and I was told they would put together a quote and email it to me. I received an email quote the next day based on the different tour options.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash
It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]
SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024
AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]
Journey Beyond launches first brand-led campaign during Paris Olympics
Journey Beyond is pushing the boundaries. On The Ghan, you can't even see them!
Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
Hoteliers can take a 'Lyf' out of this book and improve their green credentials.
Victoria’s TAC Top Tourism Town Award winners for 2024
Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
Uniworld partners with Camilla Franks with Egyptian-inspired collection
We are in de-Nile about making puns combining Crocs and leopard prints, given this luxe partnership.
Aussies at Paris Olympics anxious about travel risks, with incidents already recorded
Fortunately one of our biggest gold medal hopes still held onto his pedals.
Banyan Tree Seaview Villas elevates Laguna Lang Co
If you've ever played golf in the tropics, start early. LIke way early. It's hot! Damn hot.
Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales
Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]
Wendy Wu unveils new Japan travel brochure and itineraries
Get outta town! Off-beat Japan will be a lot less congested we figure than the usual tourist hotspots.
UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
Here in Sydney, you can even eat the table centrepieces. Although we advise they be cooked first.
Renos Rologas new general manager ANZ for FCM Travel
Two decades in the travel game! Let's hope Renos is in for the long haul at FCM.
Untamed Escapes to offer Cultural Day Tour from Port Lincoln in partnership with Maba Idi
International visitors travel thousands of kilometres for this experience. Time to share.
Luxe Finish Line Penthouses offer the best vantage point for the finish of the Sydney-Hobart
Long have we been following the yachts leavings Sydney Harbour and one day, we will see the finish, from this place!
In a busy world, proximity to nature is the new luxury
Forget Raffles, treat your nearest and dearest to a stay at the local campsite. They'll be super close to nature.
Circular Quay welcomes new Korean dining experience to Sydney Place
We once took Korean-American chef David Chang around Koreatown, Eastwood. Not happy about driving rain, loved the food.
MSC Cruises unveils a new outdoor kid-friendly attraction on World America
Drop your kid down the jaws of a shark and they come out 11 decks below. Sounds good to me.
Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy
Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]
Australian travellers abandon peer-to-peer stays and gravitate back to big hotels, survey finds
Doom scrolling Airbnb for the best-possible stay options two days out from departure was wearing us down, apparently.
Quark Expeditions launches the Ultimate Summer in the Arctic sweepstakes for travel advisors
Summer in the Arctic still means it's freezing. But hopefully a winning sweepstakes tickets will warm your cockles.
‘I bet it smells weird’ – Internet divided over floating restaurant in China
I you are still feeling peckish at the end of your meal, their fish tank is full. But can you eat koi?
‘Turn up in the Northern Territory this Spring’ campaign deals
Agents and airlines get all hot and sweaty over these enticing deals. Or did someone just turn the air-conditioning up?
‘Like nothing on earth’: Saudi Arabia’s new Treyam resort set in a Star Wars-style landscape
As long as Jar Jar Binks is not there, we would like a seat at the Mos Eisley Cantina please.
Raffles Hotels and Resorts is set to open in Tokyo in 2028
Time to get your vision boards at the ready! Raffles is landing in Tokyo!
‘A true honour’ – Andrew Stark wins Flight Centre Director’s Award for the second time
Congratulations Andrew! If you're a fan of British reality TV you might notice a familiar face.
Club Med debuts travel agent portal 2.0 with bonus prize for tops sales
See those people by the pool. That could be you. Start selling through the portal people!
Envoyage announces 2024 Australian Icons and rewards event in the Maldives
We were going to edit our name into the list but we chickened out.
HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus on eFuels
We know it's a good thing but can a jet fuel geek out there send in a diagram explaining this please.
Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
If you have started collecting 2026 itineraries then here is another one for you.
Cairns Airport unveils display of support for FNQ youth
If you were craving some winter sun now you have a cultural reason for booking a flight to Cairns.
Viking announces six new cruise itineraries
Now's the time to start learning Putonghua, Nihongo and Lhasa. Or maybe even know where these are spoken.
Join Qatar Airways, Celebrity Cruises & Klook – Showcase Your Brand at Click Frenzy Travel August 2024!
Clicking calmly will also be welcome when it comes to this particular deal. Click calmly here to find out more.
InsideAsia Tours launches new incentive that doubles agent commission
Double commission! We like the sound of that. Hope their system doesn't crash as a result.
Push to revive Parramatta’s iconic Roxy Theatre into entertainment destination
Long have we wished for this iconic heritage cinema to be revived as a tourist destination. Still waiting.
Qatar Airways signs an expansion to Boeing 777-9 aircraft order
Known as a quiet rural town in England, the entire global aviation industry now has its eyes on Farnborough.
Flight Centre shares down following revised profit guidance
The stock market moves fast. What will the rest of the week hold for Flight Centre?