Brits disappointed by falling holiday standards: survey
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Almost a third of Brits (31%) believe general holiday standards have dropped in the last 20 years, according to a new report published by consumer holiday watchdog, HolidayTravelWatch.
However, the report also found that despite this alarming trend, more than a fifth of respondents (22%) still don’t complain.
The inaugural Holiday Standards Report investigated holiday standards over the last two decades and Brits’ opinions and experiences of travelling abroad.
Survey respondents cited essential factors such as cleanliness (45%), food standards (39%) and customer service (30%) as three main disappointments.
After the recent terrorist attacks in Tunisia and Turkey, a quarter of respondents said they believed safety standards in resorts had declined.
But much of the nation’s holiday goers are being complacent. Despite their apprehension, almost a third (32%) admitted they do not take out travel insurance for every holiday. These risk takers go further, as of those who don’t always take out insurance, over half (54%) admit to also not taking their European Health Insurance Card with them when they travel.
It’s unsurprising then, that more than four in ten British families now holiday less than they did two decades ago. Although tightening purse strings was the most common reason cited (64%) most consumers noted dissatisfaction with cost versus experience. More than four in ten believe value-for-money isn’t what it was two decades ago.
However, despite all of these frustrations more than a fifth of respondents do not complain when faced with below-par standards. Almost a third (30%) say they aren’t confident they will get a resolution, while 27% say a lack of confidence stops them from raising their issue. Alarmingly, almost a fifth (19%) say they have experienced intimidation of some form when they have tried to complain while on holiday.
Frank Brehany, consumer director at HolidayTravelWatch said: “HolidayTravelWatch has heard about holidaymakers being intimidated when making complaints for years. Threats have ranged from verbal aggression, rooms being searched for ‘evidence’, being shadowed by security, to physical threats or threats of being arrested. But make that complaint! If you are threatened you should speak to the UK Embassy in the country you are visiting, they can advise you on how to deal with any issues. Another rising concern comes from those holidaymakers who don’t take out Travel Insurance. No one is fireproof, it’s a simple choice, pay a small premium to make sure you are protected or you could face years of financial ruin; I know what I would choose!”
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