If you’ve got a problem with the lingo when you go on holiday, help is at hand. Thomson and First Choice’s 24/7 Holidayline, has launched a new translation service to offer a round-the-clock language service for all their customers.
Working with translation provider Veritas, translators will offer customers assistance whether attending a doctor’s appointment, haggling for a deal while shopping in a local market or handling an emergency such as a lost passport or wallet. All customers need to do is call the 24/7 Holidayline, a dedicated telephone line for Thomson and First Choice customers abroad, and ask to speak to a translator.
The service will be available in 157 languages and aims to help customers overcome any issues caused by language barriers.
The service was introduced following research that only a third of people don’t take a phrase book while travelling abroad and nearly a fifth never try to speak the language. Brits have problems trying to use a foreign language for basic tasks with nearly half of respondents admitting they would have difficulties making a restaurant reservation and over a third would struggle to get directions or see a doctor.
Ian Chapman, Director of Holiday Experience for Thomson and First Choice, said: “We know our customers may experience language barriers whilst on holiday. We want to break down these barriers, so they have the confidence to fully explore the destination they are visiting.
“This service will provide support to those customers wanting to get off the beaten track, or will serve as a lifeline should any problems be encountered whilst away. All customers need to do is dial our 24/7 Holidayline and within minutes they’ll be speaking to a translator who can assist in communicating in the local language. Veritas is another example of how we are constantly striving to improve and modernise the service we offer our customers.”
