We have been operating holidays since 1970, a long time for an independent company in this volatile business. In that time our specialist programmes have become well known, largely through word of mouth – see page 70 for a summary. We are both retail and tour operating members of ABTA, licensed by IATA, and have a busy commercial department for business travellers. We are still owner managed and remain fiercely independent!
In March 2006 Sunvil was awarded bronze status by readers of Wonderlust Magazine, one of the industry’s most respected publications. Sunvil has twice previously won the best tour operator award.
Why use a tour operator rather than doing it yourself?
DIY holidays are in vogue – but do they really save money? To compare like with like, it’s important to understand the extras that are included in the price when you book with a tour operator.
Full financial protection. Tour operators carry a no quibble guarantee – you won’t lose out financially, no matter what happens to the tour operator or the airline. A no-frills airline or unbonded website doesn’t offer any financial protection. You pay your money, you take your chance.
High standards. Tour operators are liable for every aspect of the holiday that they sell you. They inspect their hotels and villas. An accommodation-only website can feature any unregulated property, and accommodation is unlikely to have been checked – it’s a commodity for sale rather than a carefully-chosen part of your holiday.
Back-up while you are on holiday. If the hotel claims not to have a room for you, or if a supplier is at fault in any way, a tour operator will sort out the problem to your satisfaction – the tour operator has more clout, via its buying power, than an individual has. Isn’t it good to know there’s reliable, 24-hour assistance if you need it?
The other important extra when you book with a tour operator is a different kind of saving – your valuable time. The tour operator has done all the research for you and presents it to you in a carefully written document – its brochure. A tour operator also saves you the inconvenience of contacting many different people (possibly in an unfamiliar language) to arrange your holiday.
A tour operator’s prices might be a little higher than a DIY holiday (although often they are cheaper), but the customer enjoys excellent added value in terms of financial protection and a better standard of holiday.
What are we doing about carbon offsetting? >
Our charitable work >
