Attack of the Trip Advisors

Having watched Channel 4's expose Attack of the Trip Advisors this week, I have become even more convinced that there needs to be a counter balance to the amateur and petulant Trip Advisor reviewers.

The travel web site is an undoubted success, with over 40 million users a month. Even our own Tourism Minister, John Penrose, in his 'Tourism Policy' suggested that Trip Adviser could replace the official Tourist Board Star Scheme. But this week's programme on Channel 4 showed how reviews on the website may often be the result of unreasonable and even malicious guests, who might have taken a dislike to the owner or his taste in decor.

I have long argued that VisitEngland should establish its own Review Site, publishing a version of the Official Inspectors' Reports. In doing so, readers would then be able to balance a Trip Advisor Review (by an amateur) with an Inspector's Review (by someone who stays in hundreds of properties each year). I know which review I would trust more!

Perhaps it's time to start a Counter Attack!