Mass tourism in summer – these destinations are warned

Travel ombudsman Franco V. Muff warns against traveling to overcrowded tourist destinations such as the summer Balearic Islands, Egypt or Greece. “Stay in Switzerland in the summer and travel in the spring.”

In busy places it is like in a busy restaurant: the quality of service is deteriorating, says the soon to be retired ombudsman, who mediates between consumers and the travel industry, in an interview with the “SonntagsBlick”.

He knows from his work that the Swiss in particular are angry about the lack of cleanliness. “A constant theme. Not only abroad, also in Switzerland.” In the event of a problem, however, it helps to talk to the service provider in a friendly manner.

When that doesn’t help, Muff comes into play. “Usually we can mediate between the parties. In about ten percent of the cases, we realize a financial compensation for consumers in the form of a payment or a voucher from the travel provider. Only in very few cases do we find no solution at all.”

According to Muff, the Swiss deal with problems during the holidays differently depending on their origin: “People from the countryside are sometimes a bit more complicated. Travelers from fast-moving cities like Zurich or Basel are usually interested in a quick fix. They don’t argue forever.” (sda)