FACE TO FACE
It is rare for me to fly in Business or First Class so when I received an invite to enjoy a Business and First Class lounge lunch, followed by a tour of one of Emirates’ A380s, I jumped at the chance.
It turned out to be a brilliant and informative day – once I had accepted that I was going airside to enjoy a great lunch and would not actually be flying anywhere.
The lounge is large and comfortable, with direct access to the upper level of Emirates' A380s, and provides passengers with a truly exclusive start to their flight.
With many of the airline’s planes now refurbished, passengers can relax in true comfort. The seats are comfortable and spacious – or you can just sleep the flight to Dubai away on a flat-bed.
The First Class suites are really luxurious with more than a touch of gold!
There are also a couple of good-sized shower spas (passengers book a 30-minute slot during their flight). The floors are even heated so passengers do not get cold feet stepping out of the shower!
One of the highlights for me was visiting the mindboggling flight deck and then sitting in the First Officer’s seat in this huge flying machine. Like everything else on Emirates A380s, there was a real feeling of space. I am very much looking forward to flying to South Africa with the airline in September.
Yes, you guessed it, I will be in Economy, but even in this cabin the space is very generous.
Lookers not bookers
Although we have plenty of lovely customers there are others who just use us for recommendations and then take these suggestions to direct-sell suppliers. This is a fact of our business that is making the job of a travel agent a harder one. To those of you new to the trade, this is the norm, but those of us who are a bit longer in the tooth will talk about the ‘good old days ’ when stock was more limited and customers used just brochures and their trusty travel agent for recommendations - and they appreciated that knowledge and service.
But these are different days and the world is a much more accessible place now – although that doesn't stop many coming to us to pick our brains before booking with whoever offers them the best price.
Keep the faith
That said, I am happy that the majority of our customers do still appreciate our efforts and, most importantly, trust us to match their holiday needs perfectly and to follow it all up with fabulous personal service, from the start of their enquiry to their return.
We must not lose faith that those loyal customers will not only continue to book with us but also recommend us to everyone they know.
All Greek to me
I am looking forward to another three-Greek-Island-Odyssey in June, with time on quiet Alonyssos, in a villa on Skopelos and two nights enjoying the cobbled streets of Skiathos Town.
Elsewhere in the office, Tanya has just returned from a long weekend fam trip with Thanos Hotels in Cyprus, staying at The Annabelle and visiting the luxurious Anassa and Alymira, while Justine is getting excited about her family holiday in August to Bangkok, Phuket, Khao Lak and Elephant Hills.
Happy Selling!
The majority of customers appreciate the effort we put in and trust us to match their holiday needs