p18 comment feb6 4/2/09 12:02 Page 18
news comment
ttglive.com
Mike Pearse ITV News
“Let the chavs know they’re
a pain. The mistake that
Activities Abroad made was
issuing that list of names”
I
f Activities Abroad is right, you are any cost. One agent even booked my aged aunt
likely to find me on a “chav-free” holiday. and uncle, in their late 70s, into a hotel in the
“Michael”, it seems, is strictly middle class, middle of Cypriot party capital Ayia Napa and
and that suits them. I can well understand then “failed” to understand why they could not
how some people with names on the chav list will put up with the constant all-night raves.
be insensed. An apology has been made. It is vital the industry is transparent and makes
But what the debacle and the publicity clear the pros and cons when people book.
surrounding it has done is spark a debate and But equally, travellers should be under no
got the nation talking about your worst fears illusion: if you buy cheap, that is what you will
when you go for that two-week break in the probably get. How many people do you hear
sun. Will the next room be full of drunks who complain about the lack of service on a
smoke on the balcony and wear shell suits? low-cost airline when they have paid
And it is not only Activities Abroad that £1 for the flight? If you want Virgin
has to worry. P&O Cruises’ Ventura hit Upper Class, you have to pay for it.
the headlines when it was claimed it sold Of more concern at the moment is
cruises so chavtastically cheap that the the poor exchange rate of the pound.
“Essex brigade” could afford them – and But the news is not all negative.
caused havoc onboard at Christmas. With many more of us staying at home,
The truth is, millions of people go it should prove good for the industry
away in fear of who they will have to here. It is time for a mass-marketing
spend their holiday avoiding or even campaign for UK cities, resorts, hotels
sitting next to on the plane. So don’t be and attractions. Abroad, we should be
sorry. Stand up and let the chavs know doing the same by promoting the great
for many they’re a pain. The mistake value we will offer this year. That is one
Activities Abroad made was issuing golden opportunity and a silver lining too
the list of names, but that is all it was. good to miss. But I suppose someone
We all have the right to travel. So would then complain that we’re attracting
how about a map clearly showing foreign chavs over here.
chavland hotspots? They’d know We all have the right to enjoy ourselves.
where to go and the rest of us could And if that means some places for chavs and
avoid them. some for the rest of us, at least we’d all
On a serious note, it really is about know where we stand.
knowing what to expect when we go away So which would you prefer: Chardonnay,
and the industry being honest. Far too often, or, like me, Chablis?
and especially in a recession, the priority will
be to get the credit card out of the client at Mike Pearse, transport correspondent, ITV News
18 06.02.2009
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76