TripAdvisor study reveals 10-year rise in UK hotel standards
The UK hospitality industry has stolen a march on competition around the world by showing the greatest improvement in customer ratings in the hotel and B&B sector, according to an analysis of millions of reviews by TripAdvisor.
In 2005 UK properties scored the lowest average rating among 15 major markets around the globe, scoring a lacklustre 3.57 out of five. By 2015 the average rating had surged to 4.16, with the UK listed as second only to Italy. Independent B&Bs are leading the charge with average ratings of 4.48 against average UK hotel ratings of 4.04.
The TripAdvisor report offers a shaft of sunlight amidst the economic gloom and uncertainty following the UK's decision to Brexit the European stage last week. The weakened pound is likely to make the UK a more attractive tourist destination for overseas visitors and domestic holidaymakers alike.
The UK hospitality industry's strong performance last year was the culmination of a decade-long improvement in average review ratings given to UK properties on TripAdvisor, a trend that outpaced other rival tourism markets around the globe.
Bed & Breakfast Association chief executive David Weston noted: "These figures are excellent news, and show that the UK has moved in 10 years from the lowest-rated country to the second highest, driven by the success of independent accommodation. The innovation and quality of small owner-managed properties have raised standards across Britain's tourism accommodation sector over the decade."
Ufi Ibrahim, CEO of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) said: "We are very proud to see the results of the study and proud too of the standards of service our industry delivers so consistently. UK Hotels and B&Bs can take great satisfaction from seeing their efforts reflected in this report."
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