Swiss broker says all-round service is key to survival

The best way for charter brokers to survive recessions is to turn themselves into a one-stop travel organiser that caters for every need and solves every problem, according to Daniel Riner, gm of Switzerland's EuroShuttle.

"We have a client that likes to visit the Formula 1 in locations such as Valencia. We not only organise the private air charter but we ensure that every detail is dealt with including the booking of restaurants and hotels to his exact taste. If he has a problem he does not contact the hotel reception, he telephones us and we deal with it. Our clients benefit from personal research as well as having someone they know on hand to keep things running smoothly."

Riner says that charter broker business levels are down from last year the same as they are for many other companies but that the personal travel side is less affected. "The diversity of our operation is standing us in good stead," he adds. EuroShuttle set up as a broker in 1994.