Solo Travel: not for us

DESPITE much buzz around the solo travel trend, 30.4 percent of Americans say they have never traveled alone. And those who have are more than five times as likely to travel domestically than internationally, according to a new survey conducted by Allianz Global Assistance.

Women are ten percent less likely to travel alone than men, with 35.2 percent noting they have never traveled alone, compared to 25.2 percent of men.

Gender also appears to impact solo travelers' perception of safety, with 76.6 percent of men saying they have never felt unsafe while traveling alone, while 60.3 percent of women say the same.

Solo male travelers seem more susceptible to theft, with almost ten percent (9.7 percent) reporting having been mugged or pickpocketed (versus 6.1 percent of women).

The next most pressing concerns for male travelers include: violence/terrorism (17.8 percent), a natural disaster (17.8 percent), being out after dark (14.8 percent), riding public transportation (10 percent), security/safety of drivers (6.9 percent) and visiting a restaurant/bar (also 6.9 percent).

Being out after dark is the second most concern for women (26.3 percent), followed by violence/terrorism (15.7 percent), natural disaster (9.6 percent percent) riding public transportation (9.4 percent), security/safety of drivers (7.8 percent) and visiting a restaurant/bar (3.7 percent).


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Flight Attendants Cheer in the U.S.

THE 50,000 Flight Attendants at 20 airlines represented by the Association of Flight Attendants, received the news of the passage of a five-year FAA Reauthorization Bill including a 10 hour minimum rest provision to combat Flight Attendant fatigue. The bill includes more Flight Attendant safety priorities including forever banning knives on planes, no voice calls on planes, and extending the smoking ban to e-cigarettes. 

Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 50,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America.



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Fuego volcano resumes regular activity

THE Fuego Volcano in #Guatemala had a large eruption on Sunday June 3rd which has devastated several communities at the foot of the volcano. The nearby regions of Escuintla, Sacatepéquez, and Chimaltenango were also impacted by ash fall and mudflow from the volcano. Antigua, Guatemala City, and beyond were showered with volcanic ash and the Aurora International Airport was closed for a short period of time, reopening on Monday June 4th.

The skies have now cleared and the volcano has resumed its regular small ash/steam eruptions, although local operators have advised they will be avoiding Fuego and neighbouring Acatenango Volcano for the foreseeable future. Any travellers planning to visit Guatemala in the near future should monitor the situation however all other tourist regions including Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenengo, Xela, the Pacific Coast, Tikal, and Rio Dulce are not impacted and safe from the damage caused by Sunday’s eruption and remain open for business.

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Hawaii open for business

AS dramatic video footage is shown daily from the island of Hawai'i of lava flowing, new fissures opening and ash plumes, Hawai'i Governor David Ige reassured people worldwide that #Kīlauea volcano is being closely monitored and stated emphatically: "Travel is safe to the Hawaiian Islands."

"All of Hawai'i is open for business and welcoming visitors with the hospitality, aloha, warmth and picturesque settings visitors seek in our islands. This includes Hilo, Pāhoa and the Kona and Kohala coasts on the island of Hawai'i. The one area that people need to avoid is lower Puna where the eruption is ongoing."


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Safety upgrades at Concord Waterfall Grenada

THE Government of #Grenada, through the Ministry of Tourism, continues to make every effort to enhance and to improve safety at our various attraction and recreational sites. As such, work was recently completed at the Concord Waterfall to improve the experience for both locals and visitors, particularly as it relates to safety at the site.

Through collaboration with our various stakeholders improvements included installation of new railings and the erection of a multilingual sign which serves to remind all users to exercise a level of responsibility and safety when enjoying the falls.

Adding to the enhancement and safety of the premier tourist attraction is the inclusion of two inflatable lifeguard rings to assist in cases of emergency. While the physical and safety amenities have been upgraded, quality service delivery will also be addressed.

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Drive Safe Campaign launched in New Zealand

TOURISM New Zealand will again work with major agencies this summer to inform international visitors about the challenges of #driving in #NewZealand. 

A major road safety campaign to help visitors understand and prepare for driving in New Zealand is now underway. Launching the new campaign, Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss said: “Summer is on its way and so are many international visitors. New Zealand roads can be challenging, particularly in and around some of our most popular tourist spots.”

The new road safety campaign focuses on the Visiting Drivers Project areas of Otago, Southland and the West Coast, and uses billboards, posters, digital advertising and social media to spread road safety messages.

The messages emphasise that New Zealand’s roads are different from what overseas drivers are used to. The campaign encourages them to adjust their driving when necessary.

The messages are:

• NZ roads can be narrow, winding and steep. Allow extra time.
• Journeys may take longer than you think. Allow extra time.
• Save overtaking for long, clear, straight roads.
• Taking photos? Pull over somewhere safe.
• Remember to keep left.

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British tourists welcome increased security measures in France

FOLLOWING the announcement that some beaches in #France will be patrolled by armed police and that holidaymakers have been banned from taking large bags on to the beach in Cannes, research suggests that one third of British people planning a summer #holiday this year welcome these increased security measures.

Almost 90% of respondents in a survey by Travelzoo do not believe increased security measures this summer will impact their holiday negatively, and over one third think the UK should follow France's lead and adopt similar measures at beaches and tourist spots in Britain.

The research also found that 50% of respondents would be prepared to pay at least 5% more for their breaks if it meant extra security, with one fifth saying they would pay as much as 10% or 15% more.

‘Over 17 million British tourists visit France every year, so it is extremely important for the country to demonstrate that everything is being done to protect tourists on beaches and in public places,’ said Louise Hodges, head of Communications at Travelzoo.

‘While one quarter of those surveyed say armed police on beaches could be off-putting, over a third are in favour of these new security measures, and half are prepared to pay extra for more security on holiday. This is significant as, post-Brexit, holidays in Europe this summer will feel more expensive, given the drop in the value of the pound against the euro.

‘Our research shows that long-time favourites Spain and France remain the top destinations for this summer, so it's reassuring to learn that these recent changes in security are not putting British tourists off.’

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The idiot’s guide to staying alive

BRITISH holidaymakers heading out to hotels around the Med have been given some advice by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA): don’t get drunk and fall off balconies. 

Sadly, the advice is needed: tour operators say that three British nationals had died and three more were seriously injured after falling or jumping from balconies while on holiday overseas last year. This represents just a fraction of the total number of such incidents. So far in 2016, says the FCO, there have been three balcony falls resulting in serious injury. One of them involved a 34-year-old British holidaymaker who jumped from his hotel balcony into the swimming pool. He is in a critical condition after suffering a serious spinal cord injury.

Many balcony falls involve young people and alcohol. For the last five years, ABTA and the FCO have run campaigns warning of the dangers as well as providing advice and tips on staying safe, including in hotels popular with younger travellers.

Nikki White, ABTA’s director of Destinations and Sustainability, said: ‘As we head into the peak summer season, we are again urging holidaymakers to think about the potential risks of balconies. We see too many people badly injured or much worse because they’ve tried to climb over, jump, or dive from their hotel balcony. A moment of thoughtlessness can have a devastating impact, not just on the holidaymaker themselves, but also on their family and friends. By working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, ABTA Members and local authorities in resorts, we hope to help holidaymakers use their balconies sensibly and safely, as do millions of hotel guests around the world.’

Will Middleton, FCO consular director for Southern Europe, said: ‘We have already seen a number of very serious injuries caused by balcony falls this summer. We really do urge people to avoid taking risks around balconies, particularly if they have been drinking. A momentary lapse of judgement can lead to a lifetime of consequences.’

ABTA and the FCO have put together the following tips on using balconies safely:

Never lean over, sit, or climb on the balcony wall or railings.

Don’t try to pass items to someone on another balcony.

Don’t climb from one balcony to another.

Never stand on balcony furniture.

Never jump into the pool from your balcony.

Take extra care on balconies after drinking alcohol as your judgement may be affected.

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How to stay REALLY safe in Rio

WITH the #Rio #Olympics only months away, South America is gearing up to host tourists, some of whom might have concerns about their #safety in what Brazil Bodyguard Protection (BBP) says is notorious as one of the world’s most dangerous destinations. 

A recent survey by Mexico City’s Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice found that 43 of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world are in Latin America, including 19 in Brazil. According to the US-based International Women’s Travel Centre, Brazil is one of the ten worst countries in the world for female travellers. This reputation was reinforced during Brazil’s 2014 World Cup, which was marred by violence and petty crime.

‘Unfortunately, the energy and atmosphere that goes hand-in-hand with global events such as the upcoming Olympic Games isn’t without its risks, ‘says Marcelo Silva, founder of BBP. ‘When Rio opens up its gates as 2016’s host country, the streets will unquestionably become more dangerous. For travellers who want to dive head first into the celebrations without worrying about personal safety, our service is ideal.

‘Brazil and its neighbouring Latin American countries are incredible places, but it would be naïve to romanticize the region as a destination that’s just as safe as its Western counterparts. Our service exists to help both private and corporate travellers experience everything the region has to offer, without the lingering shadow of safety concerns.’

For those wanting to enjoy the Olympic Games with the total peace of mind that their back is covered at every corner, says the company, a personal bodyguard is a must. Its English- and Portuguese-speaking bodyguards in Rio are armed … legally!

www.brazilbodyguardprotection.com

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Aids for safe skiing

TO help safety-conscious skiers plan ahead. Airport Parking & Hotels has created a guide comparing safety regulations at some of the world's most popular resorts.

The research compares regulations and insurance options at 14 #ski resorts, including Breckenridge in Colorado, 3 Vallees in France, and Verbier in Switzerland, and looks at call-out costs for skiing accidents.

Ski insurance policies vary between each resort, with 12 of the 14 resorts included in the research offering specific cover options for visitors. French resorts including Chamonix, La Plagne, and Les Deux Alps provide the Carte Neige Insurance from £29 to £44, which covers medical and rescue fees for on and off-piste skiing and immediate replacement of lost lift passes. Alternatively, Verbier in Switzerland offer Snow Assist insurance for £3 per day or £66 per season, which covers refunds for rescue costs, ski rentals, lift passes, and skiing lessons.

Three of the resorts – La Plagne, St Moritz in Switzerland, and Valle d'Aosta in Italy – charge a call-out rescue fee. The fee varies from £140 at Valle d'Aosta to £569 at La Plagne. In Vail, Colorado, fees apply when a traveller has to be taken to hospital by ambulance, whereas rescues are free across the Mont Blanc Massif in France unless an airlift has to be arranged.

The Italian resort Cortina d'Ampezzo has the 'SkiCortina' app including the resorts' essential telephone numbers and ski slope details as well as displaying any risk of avalanches.

The research can be found in the Know Before You Go section of the APH website at www.aph.com/skisafety

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Rentals shortage predicted as 'safe’ destination bookings rise

‘We’re seeing high demand for our villas and apartments across southern Europe, with Spain and Italy being particularly popular’ 

RENTAL home specialist Interhome has predicted a shortage of accommodation in destinations seen to be safe from Islamic terrorism after seeing bookings to Turkey drop 75% on last year.

The agency says the current uncertainty over some traditional summer destinations has also caused bookings to Egypt to drop 35% against 2015.

However, bookings to Spain are up by 30% and Italy by 25%, with Florida and the Caribbean also ‘performing well’.

The firm believes that as demand outstrips supply, there could be a shortage of holiday accommodation available in perceived safe destinations with prices at a ‘considerable high’.

Interhome is advising customers to book their European summer holidays as far in advance as possible.

‘We’re seeing high demand for our villas and apartments across southern Europe, with Spain and Italy being particularly popular,’ said Thijs van Oss, Interhome’s regional director for Northern Europe. ‘Our staff in these destinations are working to expand capacity even further, but nevertheless a shortage is to be expected.

‘What we will see is a swathe of very cheap offers coming in for Turkey, Tunisia, and Egypt, but a lot of the flying has been stripped back already for those countries, so there will be difficulty in providing cheap packages. Additional flying capacity has been put on for Western European destinations, but here we will have the opposite problem, that all of the best accommodation options will have been taken.’

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Pregnant woman advised to avoid countries with Zika outbreaks

PREGNANT women are being advised to re-consider travel to areas where #Zikavirus outbreaks are happening, which includes most of south and Central America and parts of the Caribbean, including Barbados and the Dominican Republic.

The virus usually causes only mild symptoms in adults, but it is blamed for thousands of babies born with underdeveloped brains.

It has been spreading throughout the Americas and the World Health Organisation said it is likely to infect most countries in the region, except Canada and Chile.

Three Britons have already contracted the virus after visiting Colombia, Suriname, and Guyana.

UK officials say women should talk to their doctors about the risks, and if travel is unavoidable they should take precautions to avoid bites from mosquitoes that spread the disease.

Women planning to become pregnant should also be wary, said the National Travel Health Network and Centre. Any pregnant woman who has recently travelled to a country where Zika is known to occur should tell their doctor or midwife, it said.

An outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil, which was first reported in May last year, is likely to cause concern for women planning to travel to the country for the next Olympic Games.

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Up in the air . . .

THE LATEST annual report by AirlineRatings.com – which monitors the safety records of 407 carriers – confirms that Qantas has once again topped the list, having not had a serious safety incident in 2015. The Australian carrier’s record since the dawn of the jet era has been fatality-free.

Of the 407 airlines surveyed, 148 have the top seven-star safety ranking, with Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, ANA, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Finnair, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, SAS, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia completing the top 20.

The report added, however, that almost 50 airlines have a rating of three stars or less, and there are 10 airlines with only one star, including carriers from Indonesia, Nepal, and Surinam.

‘Our top safest airlines are always at the forefront of safety innovation, operational excellence, and the launching of new, more advanced aircraft,’ said AirlineRatings.com’s editor, Geoffrey Thomas. ‘These airlines are always at the forefront for excellence in the safety space. However, there is no question among the editors that Qantas remains a stand-out in safety enhancements and best practice.’

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Global travel risks mapped

THE medical and travel security services company, International SOS has partnered with Control Risks to launch a 2016 Travel Risk Map to help organizations understand the safety risks in the markets where they operate and travel. 

The map displays each country’s medical and travel security risk rating.

Rob Walker, head of Information and Analysis at International SOS and Control Risks, said: ‘Education and information – and, in some cases, training – are vital to helping employees understand and mitigate threats to their personal safety. Our comprehensive overview reveals that in 75% of countries the medical risk is assessed to be at a different level from the travel security risk. This range within individual countries highlights the complexities organizations face when preparing staff to travel abroad. Organizations are encouraged to review both medical and security issues when preparing their employees for travel and assignment abroad.’

A recent Ipsos Global Advisor study asked participants about their concerns and preparations when travelling abroad. The report found that while eight in 10 travellers believed their personal safety could be threatened while abroad, fewer than four in 10 researched crime risks, neighbourhoods to avoid, safety standards of public transport, or security features of their accommodation before they travelled.

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Thomas Cook launches new charity for safer tourism

THOMAS COOK has fulfilled a pledge to back an independent charity that aims to improve the safety of holidaymakers abroad following the deaths on Corfu of two children from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Safer Tourism Foundation was born out of the deaths of Christi and Bobby Shepherd, who died while on holiday with Thomas Cook nine years ago.

The foundation, working with the children’s mother Sharon Wood, will start by funding the first Europe-wide research and public health awareness campaign into carbon monoxide. The foundation has initial funding of £1 million and will look to partner with academic institutions and the wider industry, including the Association of British Travel Agents.

Cook group chief executive, Peter Fankhauser, said: ‘The deaths of Christi and Bobby Shepherd represent the darkest hour in the history of Thomas Cook. We are grateful to be working with Sharon Wood to launch the Safer Tourism Foundation. By funding detailed research into carbon monoxide and campaigning for legislative change in the UK and Europe, the foundation aims to effect real change.’

Public awareness and knowledge remains low, with more than a third of people questioned in a recent survey incorrectly saying that carbon monoxide could be detected by human senses.

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The verdict on Thomas Cook: costs before customers

A REVIEW of health and safety practices at Thomas Cook following the deaths of two children in Corfu has found that parts of the business put profit before people. 

In a wide-ranging report, written by former Sainsbury's boss Justin King, the tour operator was accused of having a tendency to ‘protect cost rather than maximise the customer experience’.

Mr King, reports Sky News, painted a picture of #ThomasCook as a dysfunctional business, with in-resort staff not empowered to resolve customer crises and equipped so poorly that they frequently had no access to the company’s own website.

He also urged the company and its rivals to re-think the level of disclosure they provide to their customers in areas such as health and safety risk in the wake of the tragedy. He said the travel industry must provide consumers with better information about ‎their rights and the standards they should expect when they travel abroad.

‘The industry has a collective responsibility to help its customers identify real value for money – not just the lowest price’, he said.

Mr King was asked earlier this year by Peter Fankhauser, Thomas Cook's chief executive, ‎to examine the company's approach to such issues following an outcry over its response to the  deaths of Bobby and Christi Shepherd in Corfu in 2006.

The children died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a faulty boiler. An inquest jury ruled  in May that they were unlawfully killed. The jury said that Thomas Cook had breached its duty of care towards them after the company had been accused of obstructing their family's efforts to uncover the facts surrounding their deaths. Repeated complaints about Thomas Cook's attitude led its chief executive to publicly apologize‎, but only after it emerged that the company had received a larger compensation payout than the family.

Thomas Cook is now working with Sharon Wood, the mother of the Shepherd children, on a carbon monoxide awareness initiative, which it said on Monday would be launched on November 16.

Mr King also questioned whether the Association of British Travel Agents was well-placed to represent a radically changed travel industry.

In its response to Mr King’s report, Thomas Cook said it ‘made for uncomfortable reading in parts’, but added that it had ‘not stood still since the review was commissioned’. The company pledged to immediately increase the number of staff working overseas and to launch this month a 24-hour hotel satisfaction promise that would empower reps to solve issues in resorts, alongside an additional financial commitment to guarantee that hotels live up to the descriptions that the company provides.

Mr Fankhauser said: ‘It took us nine years to correct the mistakes of the past and to do what everyone would have expected of us; treat the family with the respect and empathy they deserve. We had to learn from this tragedy and do things differently, and this remains our commitment.’


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Safety first for Brits choosing winter sun destinations

HALF of Brits are avoiding traditionally popular winter sun hotspots in favour of ‘safer’ destinations as a result of terror attacks and the migrant crisis, according to a Travelzoo survey.

More than half of 2,000 adults surveyed blamed recent terrorist attacks and the migrant crisis for reducing their willingness to travel abroad. 

The poll suggested that Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Greece, and Thailand – all traditionally popular winter sun destinations – are now the places that UK consumers are most worried about visiting.

It found Britons felt most secure travelling to the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, and Australia for a winter sun holiday. Over the next 12 months they felt most confident about vacations in Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, and the US.

Travelzoo managing director, Richard Singer, said the survey showed that personal safety was now a key factor in holiday choice. “It was all about price; now safety is right up there.”

More than half of those surveyed said the Tunisia terrorist attacks alone had put them off booking a holiday anywhere abroad, while only 1% said they would consider visiting Tunisia.

The research also showed 75% of respondents were now actively avoiding Islamic countries as holiday destinations, while 73% said the migrant crisis had put them off travelling through the Channel Tunnel.

Yeganeh Morakabati, an academic in risk and tourism at Bournemouth University, said: ‘What is clear from the research is that risk perception has increased uncertainty, and this has left the door open to fear. As a result, Britons are finding it increasingly difficult to decide on the safest destination for a holiday abroad.’

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Coroner fears future carbon monoxide deaths in holiday homes

FRESH action is being demanded to protect holidaymakers from carbon monoxide poisoning – including a new ‘central register’ to compel tour operators to keep up-to-date information on gas and appliances at all hotels and holiday homes.

The government is being urged to back European Union (EU) controls on gas boilers by the coroner – David Hinchliff – who investigated how two British children died from carbon monoxide poisoning while on holiday in Corfu in 2006. He found that the deaths were caused by a faulty boiler. Thomas Cook was also found to have breached its duty of care.

Mr Hinchliff raised fears of ‘future deaths’ unless radical steps were taken. His call comes a year after the government rejected Europe-wide safety rules on holiday accommodation, warning it would impose ‘an unnecessary cost on tourism firms in England’.

In an official report – seen by the Mail on Sunday – the coroner called on ministers to ‘draft, instigate and implement EU legislation on gas installations and carbon monoxide safety’. Mr Hinchliff also called on Thomas Cook to be ‘at the forefront’ of the industry’s drive to improve standards.

The coroner also called for:

• Safety checks to be carried out by qualified health and safety specialists – not ‘often inexperienced and overworked’ tour reps 

• Publicity campaigns to encourage tourists to take portable carbon monoxide detectors on holiday 

• All brochures to contain ‘clear and easy-to-understand’ warnings about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Regulations that have been accepted by the British government come into force this month (October) and require owners of rented properties to install and maintain carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, but they apply only to rented properties that have solid fuel burning devices – not gas or oil – and they are silent on holiday accommodation.

Says Frank Brehany, consumer director at HolidayTravelWatch: ‘This is extremely disappointing. We have been engaged for several years with campaigners, in arguing for a better regulatory environment to protect consumers and homeowners. I regret to say that, with some notable exceptions, that the political will in Westminster is weak. In the UK, across a wide variety of accommodation types, holidaymakers will continue to be at risk of being exposed to the effects of carbon monoxide, simply because of a desire not to over-regulate.’

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Ryanair widens booze ban on Ibiza flights

RYANAIR is banning ‘duty-free’ alcohol on flights from all UK airports to #Ibiza, to improve the ‘comfort and safety’ of passengers and crew.

Alcohol purchased after security checks would now have to be placed in hold luggage or disposed of at the departure gate, says the airline. Previously, it had banned alcohol only on flights to Ibiza from Scotland.

The airline said: ‘Any alcohol purchased in airport shops or elsewhere must be packed carefully in a suitable item of cabin baggage, which will be tagged at the gate and then placed in the aircraft hold free of charge. If the alcohol is unsuitable for placing in the hold, customers will be required to dispose of the alcohol in the bins provided.

‘Boarding gates will be carefully monitored and customers showing any signs of anti-social behaviour or attempting to conceal alcohol will be denied travel without refund or compensation.’

#Ryanair operates flights to Ibiza from Bristol, East Midlands, Stansted, Birmingham, Liverpool, Prestwick, Manchester and Leeds-Bradford airports.

The Civil Aviation Authority says it backs attempts to deal with drink-related problems on flights. 

‘It is a specific criminal offence to be drunk on board an aircraft, and also to refuse to comply with instructions from the captain,’ the regulator said. ‘We support UK airlines' efforts to deal with disruptive passengers to ensure the safety of all those on board, and welcome criminal prosecutions where appropriate.’

Go Holiday editor David Kernek comments: Congratulations to Ryanair on this sensible – and overdue – move, but why do so many newspapers and writers continue to talk about ‘duty free’ sales in the context of flights within the European Union? Duty free was abolished on these flights many years ago … another of the many disadvantages of British membership of the EU.

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Gas check warning for holiday rentals

EVEN though British families can take advantage of a strong pound, with the exchange rate against the euro now very favourable, a prevailing recessionary mindset is encouraging people to take their holidays in the UK rather than abroad. 

Research by Travelodge indicates that approximately three quarters of all British families will holiday at home this year. Other factors reinforcing the continued popularity of ‘staycations’ are the decline of the traditional two-week break, with more holidaymakers opting for a one-week holiday coupled with shorter breaks throughout the year and taken in the UK. 

This means families will be renting apartments and cottages in the British Isles, which is why the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) has issued safety advice, saying that it’s important that holiday homes with gas appliances have are regularly checked and serviced. 

B&ES spokesman Mark Oakes says: ‘Holiday home owners or their letting agents need to be aware that if they have an old boiler or other gas appliances such as cookers in their holiday accommodation, some of these will be potentially dangerous. 

Gas appliances in rented accommodation should be serviced annually in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions by a Gas Safe registered installer in addition to having annual gas safety checks carried out on them. 

‘Landlords and letting agents must realize that failure to maintain a boiler puts holidaymakers’ lives at risk – poorly maintained or defective gas appliances can leak potentially lethal quantities of carbon monoxide. As additional safeguards, landlords or their letting agents should supply comprehensive operating instructions for all appliances and should also fit carbon monoxide detectors.’

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/90863480@N00/17366593405">If you can't stand the heat...</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)