***Longwood Supports Trade***
28 September 2006
Specialist Red Sea operator Longwood Holidays is concentrating on supporting travel agents over the winter season with the introduction of a comprehensive FAM programme and new initiatives aimed at helping agents become regional specialists.
“Trade relations are extremely important to us;” said Rafi Caplin, Longwood Holidays MD “Our business model is very much about selling via trade – especially the small, independent and specialist agents – and we show our support by offering high rates of commission and not discounting online or to the public.’
“Having a specialisation means an agent can offer their customers that extra service dimension, and in the current environment it’s those extras that can make the difference between success and failure. So we are making sure our agents are as well-informed as they can be – through FAM trips, incentivised training and online resources.”
Spearheading Longwood’s campaign is their new season incentive, now extended to bookings made by 16 October, which awards agents booking a holiday to Egypt or Jordan departing 1 December 2006 – 31 October 2007 with a £20 voucher for either Marks & Spencer or HMV.
The first of the FAM trips departs 29 October and features Eilat, the original Red Sea resort, offering agents the chance to snorkel with dolphins at Dolphin Reef, experience the Ein Gedi Spa at the Dead Sea, visit Massada, take advantage of Eilat’s VAT-free status at the designer shops and malls, and much more. The nominal fee is £229, but agents participating in this first educational will have the chance to make their money back as every Eilat booking they make on their return until 31 March 2007 will entitle them to a £10 refund, up to a total of 23 bookings.
Other twin-centre FAMS take place on 19 November (Sharm el Sheikh & Dahab), 27 November (Taba & Eilat) and 8 December (Hurghada, El Gouna & Luxor). Places on all four educationals are filling quickly, and agents should register their interest by calling 020 8418 2550 or emailing agencysales@longwoodholidays.co.uk
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Notes to Editors: Longwood Holidays is the UK’s leading independent Red Sea specialist tour operator, offering a wide range of holidays to the Red Sea resorts of Egypt, Israel & Jordan as well as holidays to Classical Egypt, Nile Cruises, Guided Tours and a comprehensive tailor-made programme.
Agency Support: 020 8418 2550
Please contact Tara Bradberry on 020 8418 2550 or tara.bradberry@longwoodholidays.co.uk for all press-related queries.