Tourism sells us short
From Mr David Gollan Sir: Sadly Leo McKinstty (Boycott Britain', 26 July) is absolutely correct in his evaluation of British tourism and its lack of value and quality. I say 'sadly' because I know how hard British tourist officials, BA, Virgin and Cunard have worked in North America to drum up business. So have the representatives of British hotels who have nothing to do with the daily operation back home.
There are, of course, many exceptions to the dismal picture that your writer painted, but to obtain the quality of service one gets elsewhere at far lower cost you must pay astronomical rates.
One thing I've noted repeatedly in British hotels is the woeful lack of training of reception staff. Another factor noticed is the shabby maintenance and generally unkempt surroundings — and this in so-called upmarket properties. I have the feeling that things have been allowed to slide because management thinks that they're doing visitors a favour by catering to them and believes they can get away with it.
Another disappointment is the atrociously high fares that London's traditional black taxicabs charge. Last year in London we couldn't believe the rates and quickly switched to buses.
Britain, with its great scenery and wonderful history, still has a lot going for it. The tourism industry in a sense is an ambassador because those who work in it, as well as shopkeepers and other service workers, are often the only contacts that visitors have during their stay.
It is only by publishing articles like Leo McKinstty's that the industry will begin to realise it is selling Britain short.
David Gollan
Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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