Package Holidays 2000
Increase in Value and High Satisfaction Levels Recorded

Satisfaction levels associated with package holidays have risen over the last two years. 92% of customers who took a package holiday in the last 12 months were satisfied with their trip (87% in 1998) and 93% felt that it had represented good value for money (90% in 1998).

70% booked through a travel agent (27% booking direct with a tour operator) and 94% of customers felt that the service offered was either good or very good. The advice given out by travel agents was more trustworthy than 5 years ago, according to 32% of those questioned (55% felt it to be the same level) and 37% felt that a travel agent was among those who they could most trust to give them unbiased, useful information.

High satisfaction levels with travel agents were also reflected in 87% saying they were likely to use the same agent again - unless the agent withdrew from ABTA in which case 63% indicated that they were not very likely to use them again.

Holidaymakers appear more satisfied with brochure descriptions, with 73% believing that the description was an accurate representation (9% disagree, 18% dont know or neither agree nor disagree.)

Awareness of ABTA itself remains high, with 87% having heard of the Association. Financial protection remains key, with 72% acknowledging that their money is safe when booking through an ABTA Member and 74% stating that it is very important to book their holiday through an ABTA tour operator.

ABTA President, Stephen Bath, said: "Customer satisfaction levels must be key to all our Members. With good service underpinning excellent value for money the holidaymaker can be reassured that their main concern should be picking the right holiday for their requirements."

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Notes for Editors:

1. Between 2 September and 24 September 2000, MORI surveyed 963 people, across the UK, who had taken a package holiday in the previous 12 months

October 27, 2000

For further information contact:

Keith Betton or Sean Tipton - Tel: 020 7307 1900 (Office Hours)