Mackinnons American Express Travel

TTG Asia‘s hopes are lifted by the professionalism of Mackinnons American Express Travel from Sri Lanka

Mackinnons American Express Travel (MAET) Good afternoon, can I help you?

TTG I would like to visit either Spain or France, and I’m looking for a five-to-seven day package tour.

MAET We have a seven-day group tour.

TTG I would like to travel in October. What are the rates?

MAET I am sorry sir, we don’t have the rates right now. But I can email it to you shortly.

TTG  October is only a month away, so why are the rates not available?

MAET (polite tone) The rates change periodically; sometimes it’s the same, sometimes it’s not. I need to make sure you get the correct rate.

TTG I can’t visit both countries, but if I have to choose what would you suggest?

MAET What are your interests sir?

TTG Culture, architecture and entertainment.

MAET Spain is good for Gothic buildings. In fact, we recently took a group of architects there. France is also nice, with Lourdes as a place to see.

TTG Okay I’ll go for Spain.

MAET That tour will take you to Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona and back.

TTG Wait, Barcelona as in the famous football club?

MAET (laughs) Yes sir…

TTG And Madrid is where the bull fighting takes place?

MAET Well, there is bull fighting all over, but yes, Madrid is the most famous.

TTG Would I be able to see bull fighting?

MAET Our packages are essentially a city tour. However, there is free time which you could use to see places of your choice. We could also ask our supplier whether this could be arranged.

TTG Is a tour package cheaper than a standalone one where you develop a tour just for me?

MAET An individual package would cost you Rs150,000 (US$1,336) more than a group tour package.

TTG Okay. Is October a good month to travel?

MAET That’s when people get on the streets. It’s a lot of fun.

TTG How about accommodation?

MAET We offer three-star accommodation in hotels that are old mansions.

TTG Are they beside cobblestone streets which I love?

MAET Yes sir, plenty of that.

VERDICT Responses were prompt, and epitomised the high standards that the company always promises. She was spontaneous, knowledgeable, pleasant and friendly, with a keenness to keep me on the line and eventually win me over. MAET is part of John Keells Holdings, owner of Sri Lanka’s largest chain of hotels.

This article was first published in TTG Asia, October 19, 2012 on page 6. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.

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