I've been on two RS tours that were wonderful and I think it's great that the company asks for feedback after each trip and shares it online so that people can make an informed decision when choosing a tour. I was recently on a tour from a new organization (to a place where RS doesn't offer tours) that did not ask for any feedback, which struck me as odd since I would think they would want to learn from experience even if they don't want to share the comments publicly. Is RS the exception or do you find that tour operators generally ask for feedback?
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9215 posts
Most tour operators are listed over on Trip Advisor, which reaches a far larger audience of English speaking tourists than Rick Steves does. That is where many people post their feedback about tours.
Posted by
Freedonia
16247 posts
Having worked for numerous tour companies, I can say that on every tour I led the passengers were either given evaluation forms at the end or had them waiting for them in the mail when they got home. (Some sent them out after the tour and it's possible you may still get one.)
The evaluations were taken very seriously. If there was any negative feedback, a couple of the companies required that I respond to them, in writing, as to why the passenger had a complaint.
If a tour director got too much negative feedback, he was not offered any more tours by that company (most tour directors are independent contractors rather than full time employees.)
The tour companies also used the feedback to modify and change tours in the future. If a stop, hotel, restaurant, etc, got too much negative feedback, it was done away with.
I remember one company telling me that the evaluation forms were just as important to them as any money I collected.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
My friend took a RS tour,, and did not do the feedback,, she(said) was too lazy and just didn't think it mattered. This as usual means the results are going to show reviews from people who were very happy, or not happy at all. I wish she had made more of an effort, as I think tour feedback can make a difference.. if enough people comment on something, I am sure most tour companies would take notice.
Posted by
Las Cruces, NM, United States
136 posts
Two of the other tour operators we like a lot always ask for/insist upon (by "recommending" that the tour guides collect 100% feedback). We were told that less than that reflected negatively on their compensation. They also were not allowed to take tips or recommend retailers. One company goes worldwide, one is an adventure travel/expedition type company.