Partner Article

National survey puts North East travel agency in first class

An independent North East travel agency has beaten off competition from industry heavyweights in a recent report into the nation’s holiday habits. Dawson & Sanderson secured second place in the national survey, which identified companies offering the best customer service to holidaymakers.

The poll, carried out by The Listening Company, asked customers how likely they were to recommend their holiday company to a friend or colleague. Dawson & Sanderson was rated second only to Saga, ahead of Thomson, Thomas Cook, Virgin and lastminute.com.

Managing director Chris Pattison said: “This is a huge achievement and we are thrilled! We work hard as a team to maintain excellent standards in customer service and it’s a real honour to have our efforts recognised in this national survey. Customer recommendation and word-of-mouth is something we value dearly and what’s clear from this research is how important it’s become.”

Despite some growth in the Internet, the research also revealed that 60 per cent of travellers still prefer the traditional method of human interaction, with over two thirds of them using high-street agencies like Dawson & Sanderson.

Chris said: “Good customer service means going the extra-mile for your customers and it is this support and security that they need during a holiday. It is this, and our commitment to beating Internet prices which has helped us encourage more holidaymakers and travellers back to high-street agencies. Consumers are realising that they can get well-priced holidays with the support and experience of a dedicated agency advisor.”

Further insight into the holiday habits of UK holidaymakers was achieved through questions regarding recommended holiday destinations and carrier preferences. Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Austria and South Africa topped the list for destinations. Flight carrier Emirates and ferry operator P&O offer the most recommended service to customers while Air France, BMI and Ryanair disappoint passengers the most.

For more information about Dawson and Sanderson, visit www.holidayco.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .