British holidaymakers pay up to one-third more |
|
|
|
Published
:
Wed, 09 Mar 2005 01:00
|
It has been revealed that Britons pay almost one-third more for their holidays overseas against their European counterparts, the Germans and Dutch.
A new research conducted by consumer watchdog magazine Which? states that Britons heading overseas on holidays are being exploited and are charged up to a third more than German and Dutch flyers for the same package deal.
| Investigation by the magazine found out that a week-long Thomson holiday to the Riu Palace Maspalomas Hotel in Gran Canaria costs British travelers £760, while Germans £575 and Dutch only £523.
The magazine said if calculated, it may cost in an excess of almost £1,000 for family of four.
Meanwhile, Trading Standards Institute (TSI) officers have asked the European Commission (EC) to start an immediate inquiry into the matter as the practice may be illegal.
They said there is no reason why one consumer should be favoured over another by the holiday companies.
But holiday companies are of the view that comparing prices across countries makes no sense as they are ruled by different factors like airport taxes, business overheads, competitive environment as well as employment costs.
Which? however maintains that the price variation is not at all justifiable and the practice should be stopped soon. The magazine said if the concerned authorities did not put an end to the illegal practice immediately it could set a precedent for other sectors also.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print this Story
