Face to Face: Jaymin Borkhatria, sales director at Southall Travel
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
What’s the secret to Southall Travel’s success?
Putting the customer first by ensuring second to none customer service and value for money across all products and services whether buying a flight only or a 5* holiday of a lifetime. Repeat customer loyalty is also key to our success along with our incredibly knowledgeable staff who are dedicated to offering optimum service. These are all the key ingredients of our ongoing growth and success.
How do you stay relevant in a market that’s evolving so rapidly?
By understanding and listening to customer needs. As a business, we are constantly adapting our technologies, propositions and brands in order to maximise revenue based on current and anticipated market trends. Operating brands within both B2B and B2C markets gives us a wide perspective on customer trends and the ability to meet their needs.
What current booking trends are you noticing and what’s driving them?
Considering our strength within the long-haul market especially Indian Ocean and Middle East early in the year sales growth was strong for Dubai, Maldives and Mauritius. Following events in Thailand there has been an expected slowdown to some resorts, however overall it doesn’t appear to have stopped people travelling and we do expect numbers to rise over the coming months. With the increased frequency of flights into Dubai and expanding routes we are also noticing many more twin centres comprising a short stay city breaks in Dubai followed by extended beach holidays in Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles even Sri Lanka.
What impact has Brexit had on booking trends and what has been your ‘Brexit strategy’?
It was very evident post Brexit, sales slowed but our flight and hotel suppliers reacted positively by reducing rates to offset currency fluctuations which has seen sales return to expected numbers. Our hedging strategy and supplier support has helped significantly to ensure prices remain competitive and booking targets maintained.
What booking trends do you predict for the next 12 months and why?
This year we have noticed a strong demand and increasing sales for US cities and Orlando and given currency uncertainties, we expect the US to remain strong throughout 2017. Other growth areas which for 2017 already show early signs of interest include the Caribbean, Bali and Seychelles.
Comments are closed.