Opening ceremony expected to boost UK tourism

Do you think the Olympics opening ceremony will encourage more tourists to visit Great Britain?

Opening ceremony expected to boost UK tourism

 

Watched by 27 million Brits*, Friday’s opening ceremony was hailed a triumph across the country, but TripAdvisor wanted to find out whether Danny Boyle’s spectacular show would resonate with oversees viewers and tempt them to visit Britain? We polled our community of travellers to find out what they think and the results revealed that 56% of respondents believe the opening ceremony itself will have a positive impact on UK tourism.

However, the poll of over 3,000† respondents on TripAdvisor.co.uk, also revealed that 39% do not believe the opening ceremony will encourage more tourists to visit the home of Team GB. A further 5% were unsure.

“The net benefit of the Olympics to the UK economy is still a hotly-debated topic, but after such a spectacular opening ceremony, it seems most Brits are hopeful this will drive oversees interest and have a positive effect on UK tourism,” commented Emma Shaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson.

† Poll carried out on 3,020 respondents on TripAdvisor.co.uk between 31 July -2 August 2012

* http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19026694

A third of Britons willing to pay higher fares for child-free flights

What do you think of children on planes?

A third of Britons willing to pay higher fares for child-free flights

We recently surveyed our community of travellers to find out what’s highest on the list when it comes to negative flying experiences and badly behaved children came out as one of the biggest frustrations for Brits.

The survey of over 2,000 Britons*, reveals that 22% of respondents claim that having a child kicking the back of their seat is their biggest pet peeve, while 22% said parents not controlling their children is their biggest frustration when flying. The number one faux pas, according to 29% of Britons, are inconsiderate seat recliners.

The survey also reveals that some Britons are so exasperated with unruly children on flights that 37% would be willing to fork higher fares for a child-free flight. When asked whether young children should be allowed to fly in first-class or business-class cabins, opinions were divided – 34% feel they should be excluded while 36% feel that they shouldn’t, with the remainder undecided.

“Even on a short-haul holiday the flight makes up a significant part of the travel experience, and a stressful flight can really have a negative impact. Any disturbance when flying is a frustration but it seems that unruly children are among the biggest frustrations for some passengers”, commented Emma Shaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson.  “Whether we can expect to see any airlines offering child-free flights in the future remains to be seen, but it’s clearly a topic that fiercely divides opinion.”

*survey carried out on 2,233 Britons, between 12^th and 27^th April 2012

TripAdvisor celebrates 75 million reviews and opinions milestone

TripAdvisor celebrates 75 million reviews and opinions milestone

We’ve got some exciting news! Thanks to our wonderful travel community, TripAdvisor now features 75 million travel reviews and opinions. The staggering amount of content generated by our dedicated travellers has skyrocketed up from 50 million a year ago.

What’s more, the TripAdvisor community itself has also grown dramatically from 20 million one year ago to 32 million today.

As the world’s largest travel website with 56 million people using TripAdvisor each month, the website sees fifty contributions posted to the site every minute and carries over 11 million user-submitted images.

And, if those figures haven’t made your head spin, check out these TripAdvisor fun facts:

• It would take 1,671 years to spend a night in each of the 610,000 hotels on TripAdvisor.
• 5.7 billion is the total word count of all TripAdvisor reviews and opinions, with the longest totaling 9,166 words.
• The community has bestowed 30 million helpful votes to their peers for outstanding reviews.

To see the numbers in pictures, take a look at this infographic: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/InfoCenter-a_ctr.75millionUK.

British Travellers Split on Airport Liquid Ban

British Travellers Split on Airport Liquid Ban

Do you feel safer with the liquid ban in place?

With the EU Commission announcing last week that the ban on taking liquids onto aircraft will remain indefinitely, we polled our community of travellers to find out exactly what they think about this issue.

The poll of almost 5,000* respondents on TripAdvisor.co.uk revealed that British travellers are split down the middle with half of respondents (48%) claiming they feel safer with the current liquid ban in place, while 40% said that the ban does not make them feel any safer. A further 12% were unsure on the matter.

“As we hit such a peak air travel period in the UK, it seems many travellers will be disappointed to hear that the liquid ban is to stay in place. But for the 47% of British travellers who see it as an extra reassurance, the EC Commission’s decision is sure to be welcomed,” commented Emma Shaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson.

 

*Poll carried out on 4,766 respondents on TripAdvisor.co.uk between 21-23 July 2012

Great hotels for grown-ups

Great hotels for grown-ups

We’ve all heard of hotels that are ideal for kids but what about keeping the adults happy too? From kid-free retreats to sophisticated and stylish sanctuaries, there are plenty of hotels around the globe for a grown up get-away.

Here, we at TripAdvisor showcase 10 great hotels for grown-ups:

Villa St Maxime – St-Paul-de-Vence, France

This luxury hotel surrounded by elegant gardens offers breath-taking views of the Riviera. Beautifully decorated with marble and sleek art, this charming property is a wonderful base to unwind.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “My husband and I just spent 2 nights at Villa St. Maxime and it was the perfect.”

Grace Santorini Hotel – Imerovigli, Greece

Located high above the Caldera, Grace Santorini Hotel boasts enviable views of the famed Santorini sunset over the Aegean Sea from its luxury suites and balconies.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “You will not find a more perfect hotel anywhere! Fantastic location, amazing staff, superb rooms, stunning views and wonderful food.

Hotel Miramar – Opatija, Croatia

Built in 1876 and renovated in the style of Belle Époque (the beautiful era), the décor featured in Hotel Miramar is like no other and evokes opulence and elegance throughout.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “We spent the second week of our honeymoon at Hotel Miramar and we absolutely loved every second of our stay. The food was fantastic and the setting on the terrace is breath-taking and very romantic.”

Dreams Luxury Suites – Imerovigli, Greece

This tranquil property is famed for its beauty and unique personality. Featuring four luxury suites, each distinctively designed; guests can relax on the terraces whilst being mesmerized by the sights of the Caldera.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “I stayed here with my girlfriend and it is quite simply the best luxury hotel I've ever stayed at. The views from this hotel are truly stunning with direct views of the volcano and surrounding sea, as well as the towns in Santorini.”

East Hotel – Hamburg, Germany

A bespoke designed hotel adorned with handmade furnishings, natural fabrics and textures, East Hotel is a sensation for your senses featuring unique visual design and individual scents in each area of the hotel.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “This is a superb hotel featuring modern and quirky styling, and the food in the restaurant was fantastic.”

 

Hotel Vila Gale Praia – Albufeira, Portugal

A beachfront hotel ideally located near the Algarve coast, Hotel Vila Gale Praia offers picturesque views of a palm tree garden and is a short distance from restaurants, shops and four other beaches.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “We stayed here for 4 days during our honeymoon and I wish we had stayed longer. It is a great, relaxing and romantic place to stay.”

Apsenti Couples Only – Mykonos – Agios Ioannis, Greece

An intimate, boutique hotel located on the west side of the island, Apsenti is a serene getaway featuring an outdoor plunge pool and Jacuzzi rooms – ideal for guests to relax and watch the world go by.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “We celebrated our 10^th wedding anniversary at Apsenti and it was fantastic - very romantic, relaxing and chilled out.”

Carmen de la Alcubilla del Caracol – Granada, Spain

Located on the slopes of the Alhambra, Carmen de la Alcubilla del Caracol offers outstanding panoramic views of Sierra Nevada and Granada. Each room has been designed to maintain the character and style of a traditional Granada house, featuring antique furniture and art.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “This is a remarkable hotel with stunning views. The rooms are comfortable and the terrace is delightful.”

Hotel Resort & Spa Miramonti – Rota d’Imagna, Italy

Nested in the heart of Imagna Valley, the spectacular scenery of the Valley and mountains make Hotel Resort & Spa Miramonti a splendid location to disconnect and marvel at nature.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “A stunning location. You cannot fail to be impressed by both the quality of accommodation, friendly service and views you will remember for a long time to come.”

Palazzo Talamo – Positano, Italy

With terraces offering idyllic sea views from each room, guests can admire the striking sights of the Amalfi Coast. Located close to the historic centre of Amalfi, restaurants, bars, shops and beaches are within walking distance for all to explore.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “This is an amazingly beautiful place to stay and the ocean view right from our room is breath-taking.”

For more information on these hotels, visit www.TripAdvisor.co.uk

TripAdvisor reveals London’s cheapest and priciest areas for hotels during the Olympic Games

TripAdvisor reveals London’s cheapest and priciest areas for hotels during the Olympic Games

Prices rise the most in postcode area ‘E’, while ‘EC’ claims the highest average hotel rates this July and August

 

The attention has been on London for much of 2012 and after years of waiting, from the 27^th July, the proverbial spotlight is due to be at its brightest when the Olympic Games finally kicks off.

With this in mind, TripAdvisor has this week revealed London’s cheapest and most expensive areas when it comes to hotel prices during the London 2012 period (27^th July - 15^th August). With the biggest sporting event of the year just around the corner and thousands of people set to flock to London in the coming days, TripAdvisor has undertaken a study to keep travellers informed of how hotel rates are faring across the capital.

With such a huge event taking place in London, it’s not a surprise to hear that hotel rates have gone up in general across the city. However, prices in some areas have increased more drastically than others.

Hotels in the London ‘E’ postcode area – closest to the Olympic Park where most of the action will be taking place – have seen the prices rise the most with a 69% increase. The second biggest price increase can be found at hotels in the ‘N’ postcode area with a 60% rise in rates. While the lowest overall rise in price at 19% is in the ‘SW’ area.

Getting down to specifics, the average hotel rate in London per room, per night during the Olympics has been found to range from £156 - £309. The most expensive at £309 per room, per night can be found in the ‘EC’ postcode area, with the ‘W’ postcode area coming in second most expensive at £238 per room, per night. Despite seeing the second biggest increase in rates, postcode area ‘N’ has the cheapest rooms per night coming in at £165.

“London hotel prices are generally higher during July and August in any year, but with London gearing up for such a significant influx of visitors this summer, some may be surprised to see spikes as high as 69%,” commented Emma Shaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson.  “Hotels in the London E postcode area have seen the biggest rises – E being home to the Olympic park – while postcode N will offer the lowest hotel rates, despite seeing said rates rise by 60% in the period of late July to mid-August.”

2012 London hotel prices: Late spring/early summer (1 June-19 July) versus mid-summer (20 July-15 August)†:

London Postcode Area	Late spring/Early summer 2012 Average hotel price 1 June- 19 July	Mid-summer 2012 Average hotel price: 20 July- 15 August	Increase in cost:
E	£139.32	£235.43	69%
N	£97.29	£156.01	60%
SE	£136.88	£211.10	54%
NW	£145.51	£206.51	42%
EC	£221.68	£309.48	40%
W	£181.45	£238.14	31%
WC	£177.77	£228.70	29%
SW	£185.96	£221.85	19%

 

†Prices shown identify the average per room per night hotel cost during the specified dates, as well as the percentage increase between periods, of hotels of various star-ratings found on TripAdvisor (via partner booking sites such as online travel agencies and direct hotel suppliers).  On average, prices from 67 hotels to compute the average prices in each postcode area

MOBILE USE BY BRITONS INCREASING IN TRAVEL DESPITE COST CONCERNS

TripAdvisor survey reveals European mobile trends in travel planning

LONDON, UK. – 09 May, 2012 – TripAdvisor^®, the world’s largest travel site*, today announces the results of its annual mobile device travel survey**.  The study of over 5,000 European respondents reveals a significant increase – 55% - in the number of British travellers now using mobile devices in their holiday planning, versus 2011.  However, despite increased usage, the associated costs of using a mobile abroad are an ever-growing frustration for British travellers.

“As mobile devices continue their dominance in our everyday lives, it’s no surprise to see a significant increase in the number of British travellers using them to plan their travel,” commented Emma Shaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson.  “Travellers are using mobiles to not only research before their trip, but increasingly to book and research their activities, travel and meals when they get to their destination.”

Travel planning on the go is on the up

This year’s research showed that a third (34%) of British travellers have used a mobile device to plan a trip, compared to last year’s 22% - a year on year increase of 55%.   Before a trip, travellers are most likely to use their mobile to research and book accommodation, while during a trip it is to research and book restaurants. 

Roam rage on the rise

Data roaming charges are still a significant concern for British travellers – this year 68% cited this as their biggest frustration in using a mobile abroad, compared to just 47% of respondents last year. Only 42% of British travellers have used their mobile device while in their holiday destination, compared to the European average of 55%. German travellers are the most likely to use their mobile on holiday (64).

In addition, 58% of British travellers claim they turn their data roaming off while abroad in order to avoid data charges, while more than one-quarter (27%) of British travellers say they’ve been hit with an unexpectedly large mobile bill upon returning from holiday.

“Tablets and smartphones can really enhance the travel planning process, opening up a wealth of options that a traveller may not have come across otherwise.  Unfortunately, despite attempts by OFCOM to ease roaming fees, it seems British users still feel these costs are, in many cases, prohibitively high,” commented Emma Shaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson.

Hard copy maps in decline but mobile photo use most popular

With built-in maps and GPS, it seems mobile devices are taking over from traditional hard-copy maps for many travellers: 29% of respondents say they now use traditional maps less on holiday as a direct result of their mobile devices, while 6% claim they’ve stopped using traditional maps altogether on holiday.

Other than calling and texting, European travellers are most likely to use their mobile device for photos. Over half (55%) of British respondents have taken or shared photos on their device when travelling. This is still lower the European average of 64% and significantly lower than the 74% of Spanish respondents.

Mobile now an essential travel tool for many
The results reveal the increasing importance a mobile device now plays in the travel planning process, both before and during a tip. For some travellers, it’s not just an enhancement, but an essential tool. A significant 29% of British respondents claim they “can’t live without’ their mobile on holiday, compared to the European average of 34%.

-Ends-

*survey carried out on 5,144 travellers, including 1,177 in the UK between 30th March – 13^th April 2012