Travel Reviews: Who do you believe?
Florence, Italy
I just read recently that industry experts warn that TripAdvisor, the popular travel information site, has a problem with fake reviews. And while the vast majority of the reviews and opinions are authentic, unbiased and from real users, it isn’t hard to see how one might post fraudulent information.
Personally, I consider sites like TripAdvisor a valuable resource and have used them to check out a hotel but in my experience in the travel business, when planning a vacation – whether it’s a getaway or a European tour of several countries – it’s best to seek out the advice of professionals like your local travel agent.
Here at Collette, we love to hear from happy customers who have been on tour with us as well as travel agents who have had a positive experience working with Collette. These unsolicited testimonials can be powerful, influencing factors for shoppers choosing between competing tour operators. We try to include testimonials as much as we can (on our web site, in print ads, and other marketing materials) but in case you missed them there, I thought I’d feature now and again a few snippets from the many letters and emails we receive daily.
Here is one from Vi, owner/manager of a travel agency in Durham, Canada:
“I am very pleased to report that my clients traveling on the Treasures of Italy tour with Collette were absolutely thrilled with literally everything about it. Collette met their expectations and the first comment I had upon their return was – ‘It was worth every single penny!’ As a travel agent, I feel very confident in selling Collette Tours to my valued clients. I know that Collette goes the extra mile and provides interesting, intelligent tour managers that also know how to have a little fun! “
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
posted by Melissa McKee
Collette Vacations
Tags: 2010, Collette, Escorted Tours, Italy, Online Reviews, Testimonials, travel agents
