One in four holidaymakers do not trust travel agents, according to an independent survey of over 2,000 consumers by Opinion Matters. The research, which was commissioned by independent health and safety experts, Check Safety First, cited that over 25 per cent of consumers, who booked a holiday through a travel agent, felt that their trip didn’t accurately reflect the description in the brochure…
One in four holidaymakers do not trust travel agents, according to an independent survey of over 2,000 consumers by Opinion Matters.
The research, which was commissioned by independent health and safety experts, Check Safety First, cited that over 25 per cent of consumers, who booked a holiday through a travel agent, felt that their trip didn’t accurately reflect the description in the brochure.
“If you think back to 15 years ago, the only way you could book a holiday was through your local travel agent, whose brochures and advice you had to trust. Now holidaymakers don’t need to rely solely on travel agents’ advice and can read honest, unbiased opinions from travellers who’ve recently visited the hotel,” explains Steve Tate, chairman at Check Safety First.
Travel review websites look beyond the gloss of the brochures, which only cover resort facilities such as swimming pools and distance from the beach, and don’t grade the hotel’s customer service, ambience or hygiene standards. When these ungraded aspects of a holiday are unsatisfactory, customers can become disgruntled with their travel agent and begin to question their knowledge and expertise.
“I would encourage people to research their holiday destination online before booking, but bear in mind that each traveller’s opinion will be based on a limited experience. Travel agents must be able to provide advice on the more subjective aspects of a holiday. Those who do this will remain successful as holidaymakers will return to ones they feel they can trust.”
Check Safety First works with UK hotels, advising on health and safety best practice and helping ensure that the highest standards are established and maintained. Once a hotel has successfully demonstrated and maintained a high standard of health and safety using Check Safety First’s E-Cristal system it will be listed on the consumer website, checksafetyfirst.com.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
