MYSTERY SHOPPER: NOWRA, NSW

WANTED: A HONEYMOON IN TAHITI

Mystery Shopper and her husband want to enjoy a 10-day honeymoon in Tahiti. They wish to stay in five-star luxury accommodation by the water at Bora Bora and are interested in any romantic extras like candlelit dinners on the beach. Any other suggestions of things to do or places to visit are also welcomed. They have a budget of $14,000 in total.

TOP AGENT: 78% Shayne Tiplady, Harvey World Travel, Kinghome St, Nowra, NSW

As I entered, Shayne smiled and offered her assistance. I explained that I was planning a honeymoon in Tahiti. Shayne excitedly asked if I had ever been there before and inquired about the sort of activities we were hoping to undertake. I told her that the honeymoon had to be nothing but the best. I was asked a series of questions so she could fully understand my requirements before she retrieved a Tahiti Travel Connection 2012/2013 brochure and handed it to me. Shayne said that Bora Bora or Moorea were the most popular destinations, however there were a couple of lesser known islands that had the same style of over-water accommodation. I asked if bad weather could impact over-water style accommodation and Shayne explained that the barrier reefs generally protect the resorts from waves and that if it rained it wouldn't really matter what style of accommodation we had. Shayne recommended a breakfast and dinner meal package as meals were prohibitively expensive on the islands. Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort was recommended as being of an excellent standard and Shayne added that many of her clients had taken this option and all had been extremely pleased with the experience. After asking I was told that there were various cruises available, however she said that self sail boats were possibly a bit dangerous in those shallow waters. It was explained that flights were out of Auckland as there was a low level of demand for direct flights, due to Tahiti's exclusivity. Shayne's first-hand knowledge of the islands gave me confidence in everything she told me. I was promised a detailed quote and promptly received it via email. This was a very thorough consultation.

QUESTIONNAIRE

How long have you worked as a travel agent? 11 months.

What's your favourite destination to sell and why? South East Asia. I lived there as a child.

If you could book yourself a holiday right now (money is no object) where would it be and why? I'd visit Vietnam and Cambodia as I have never been there. I have sold a number of packages to these fascinating destinations and I would love to see them for myself.

What destination do you sell the most of? South East Asia and the South Pacific.

When did you go on your last famil trip and where was it to? I have not yet been on one as a retail travel agent.

What's the most embarrassing thing that's happened to you while travelling? While in London I left my passport at a hotel and did not realise until checking in at Heathrow. I had to change my flights to Berlin to the next day as I missed my flight.

Which four famous people (dead or alive) would you invite to a dinner party? Peter Sellers, Stevie Nicks, Dustin Hoffman and Elton John.

Who is your dream travel partner? My husband Brad.

What is the strangest place you have ever travelled to? Marrakech in Morocco. It's a great place but the pink square has a lot of weird and wonderful sites.

If you were stranded on a desert island and only allowed one item, what would it be? A genie in a bottle to grant me three wishes. I'd have unlimited Veuve Clicquot and seafood then one more wish to get me back home.

SECOND PLACE: 73%: Travelworld, Nowra Fair, Nowra, NSW

Shortly after entering the agency a consultant offered me assistance. The consultant retrieved a Creative Holidays 2012 brochure that featured Tahiti as well as an Adventure World 2011 Islands brochure. I was asked a series of questions while the they took notes. The consultant asked if I was interested in over-water bungalow accommodation and also attempted to look up the weather patterns for the time we wished to travel. Dining options were discussed and the consultant recommended a package that included breakfast and dinner. The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa was suggested as a great place to stay. The consultant explained that a stopover in Papeete of one night at each end of the stay was necessary due to transfer and flight requirements and that we would require a change of flight in Auckland. The agent forwarded me a thorough quote later that day.

THIRD PLACE: 64%: Flight Centre, Stockland Shopping Centre, Nowra, NSW

After a lengthy wait I was eventually acknowledged and invited to take a seat. Having made my inquiry, the agent retrieved an Infinity Holidays South Pacific brochure. I was asked if we had any particular type of accommodation or resort in mind. I replied that the minimum requirement was five-star and expressed concerns as to how inclement weather may spoil the experience in over-water accommodation. The agent said they were not sure, but went to the trouble of calling the suppliers to find out. The St Regis Bora Bora was suggested as was the InterContinental Bora Bora. I asked about water-based activities and was told that boats and jet skis were available.The agent also pointed out that airfares needed to be booked very quickly as prices shift regularly. It was also mentioned that if I was considering booking a flight myself they would beat any airfare by $1. I received a detailed quote by email after the consultation.

TIPS FOR SELLING TAHITI

If romantic extras are desired, suggest your client picks a hotel with a couples package. St Regis Resort Bora Bora offers a Couples Retreat package which includes five nights for the price of four, daily breakfast for two, one bottle of Billecart salmon rose champagne and a 50 minute couples massage.

Bora Bora is not only a great place to unwind and relax, it also offers a host of outdoor and water-based activities. Your clients will be able to fill their days with scuba diving or snorkelling in the beautiful lagoon encircled by a row of islands and coral reefs. Guests can also try sailing, parasailing, windsurfing and waterskiing, to name just a few other activities.

To give your clients a variety of five-star accommodation choices, book through Creative Holidays. Using the Fiji & South Pacific 2012 brochure, you will have access to some of Bora Bora's most beautiful and indulgent resorts. These include the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, St Regis Resort Bora Bora and the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort.

Experiencing Tahitian dancing when visiting Bora Bora is a must. The Tahitian dance can be slow and sensual or fast-paced and vigorous accompanied by drums.