Behind the Scenes at Leger Holidays

Our Product General Manager, Chris Plummer, oversees the planning and contracting of the Leger Holidays tour programme, along with the development of the product range and itineraries. Since graduating from Leeds Polytechnic in 1991 he’s worked in the travel industry and Chris has now been with Leger for five years.

As you’ve worked in the travel industry nearly 20 years you must have visited many places?

Yes, I’ve been lucky and seen most of Europe, in particular France, Italy, Austria and Ireland, plus America and Canada.

Are there any places that you’ve visited which really stand out for you?

I spent three months travelling America in 1996, which was a great experience, covering 38 states and a couple of brief visits into Mexico and Canada. So I’m particularly pleased that our America product, which was launched a few years ago, has been so well received by our customers.
I have also enjoyed visiting many of the great imperial cities of Eastern Europe, particularly Prague and Krakow.
Closer to home, the Italian lakes of Como, Maggiore and Garda take some beating. The scenery really is breathtaking; you just don’t tire of it.
And finally, Ireland is a country that holds a special charm – the people, the scenery, the seemingly laidback way of life, the Guinness – there is something we could all learn from the Irish.

Of the various cities you’ve been to where would you say is your favourite city?

Without doubt it has to be New York. There is no city like it in the world. The whole place just exudes a unique atmosphere and there is always something to do.
Vancouver in Canada is another great city.
In Europe, I would say Paris, which is a great place to walk around, be it the elegant boulevards, lined with shops, tranquil gardens and parks, or the winding streets around Montmartre.

Even though you are well travelled is there anywhere you haven’t been but would like to go, maybe if you won the lottery?

Winning the lottery would be great! One day I hope to visit Australia and New Zealand.

Where would you suggest if someone wanted to holiday in Europe and see some stunning scenery?

I’d give them the choice of three places – the North Italian Lakes, the Austrian Tyrol and the Norwegian Fjords. I simply couldn’t choose between them as they are all stunning places well worth a visit.
However, if it was fairytale snowy landscapes you were after, the Austrian Tyrol would be the place, as it is breathtaking at all times of year, but particularly in the winter.

Sometimes you need a holiday where sun and relaxation is top of the list. Where would you go?

Croatia is a great place and we used to go there a lot as a family when I was growing up. I’d love to go back sometime soon for some sun and relaxation. Further afield, I would say Mauritius as it is where I spent my honeymoon.

Where would you say is the best place to visit for history and heritage?

Definitely the classical Italian cities, such as Florence, Venice and Rome. Our Classical Italy and Jewels of Italy tours both encompass so much of what Italy has to offer. However, I would have to say Paris, the Palace of Versailles is amazing. The great
Italian cities have some great buildings too, such as the Colosseum in Rome and Doges’ Palace in Venice.

If a break away to do a spot of shopping was on the cards where would you suggest?

Really you’d be better asking my wife… although I did visit Cologne last year just before Christmas and the markets really got me in the festive mood….. although, I think the Glühwein helped!
I did manage to bring back some unusual Christmas presents and traditional treats for the family.

After the busy festive season it’s sometimes nice to have a spring break to look forward to. Where would you go?

I’d book a city break to somewhere like Paris, although I’m also a big fan of the Belgian cities of Bruges and Ghent.

Where would you say is the best place to visit for amazing sights?

The fjords of Norway – charming cities like Bergen, breathtaking mountains and snow-capped peaks, deep blue fjords and lakes, glaciers and waterfalls – each corner brings something new.

When on holiday, many of us like to try the local food and drink available. I’m sure you have, so where would you recommend for delicious food and drink?

Italy, always Italy! There is so much choice when it comes to food. Also you’ll find the best wines in Italy, or so I am told by my former colleague Roland Clauw who has a few extra years experience on me!

A lot must go into planning a tour but what determines the itinerary?

A number of things – routing, hotels, convenient stops, drivers’ hours, excursions, costs, etc. We try to build things into an itinerary that are a little different from the norm. We like to see a tour as constantly evolving, through the input of coach crews and customers.
Itineraries and routings are looked at each year to see where improvements can be made.

How do you choose the hotels we use?

We have a number of criteria we work to. These include location, facilities, food, service, plus health and safety aspects. The trick is always to get the right balance and, of course, we want hotels which offer quality at a good price.
It is important to learn how the hotel works and to build up a professional relationship with the owner/general manager and key staff.

We regularly receive letters from our customers. Does customer feedback aid in the tour itinerary?

Yes, of course. All feedback is welcome, be it from staff, customers, drivers or whoever. Things can always be improved and the more input we receive the better.

And the final word goes to Chris…

When you talk to people outside of the industry they have this impression that it is the ideal job, as you get to see some great parts of the world, stay in excellent hotels and enjoy some fine food and wine along the way.
It really is a great job, which is why I’ve worked in travel for so many years, but those in the industry know there is a little more to it!
Images courtesy of flickr users Ben Fredericson, Selene Weijenberg and positivesustainability.