Some 21 million Britons take a package holiday every year, with three-quarters travelling with the “big four” – Thomson (TUI), MyTravel, Thomas Cook (JMC) and First Choice.

The Consumers’ Association surveyed 30,000 of its members and asked them to rank UK tour operators for value for money and quality of service. Most customers of the “big four” tour operators said that they would not recommend the holiday to a friend, when asked by the Consumers’ Association.

Customers of smaller independent travel firms seem to enjoy their holidays the most. More than eight out of 10 customers of travel company Laskarina said that they would recommend their holiday to a friend, for example.

At the other end of the scale, Thomas Cook (JMC), the UK’s oldest travel operator, came last in the Consumers’ Association survey for the second year running.

Only one in five Thomas Cook (JMC) customers said that they would recommend their holiday to a friend.

TUI, which owns the Thomson brand, did the best of the big four – 47% of its customers were satisfied.

However, the average for all independent travel companies surveyed was 66%. “When it comes to quality of service, the smaller independent holiday companies are topping the ratings,” Which? editor Helen Parker said.

Top UK Holiday Companies

• Laskarina
• Great Rail Journeys
• Swan Hellenic
• Tapestry Holidays

Bottom UK Holiday Companies

• JMC (Thomas Cook)
• First Choice
• Golden Sun
• Airtours
• Unijet

Source: bbcnews.co.uk