logo
Travellers rank the world's most disappointing tourist attractions. The top five are in Europe

Travellers rank the world's most disappointing tourist attractions. The top five are in Europe

Yahoo25-03-2025
Some of the most lauded tourist attractions in the world leave travellers distinctly underwhelmed, a new study has found.
Luggage storage company Radical Storage analysed 95,352 visitor reviews across 200 of the most visited landmarks to reveal the world's most disappointing tourist attractions.
The top five spots were all taken by European sights, a few of which are often considered bucket list-worthy destinations.
Inspired by Disneyland's success in America, the country estate of Alton Towers was transformed into a theme park in the 1980s. With 10 themed areas spread across 910 acres, it is the UK's biggest.
However, the research found that almost half of the reviews for the Staffordshire-based amusement park featured words indicating a negative experience. For context, the average rate of negative reviews in the study is 10.9 per cent.
Alton Towers had the highest percentage of reviews that specifically complained about value for money including misleading ticket information, and expectations to pay for overpriced add-ons such as expensive food and drink or access to different areas of the park.
Comments also suggest it's often not the rides that disappoint customers, but the customer service.
The Széchenyi Baths and Pool in Hungary's capital Budapest is the largest medicinal bath in Europe and has been a wellness tourism destination since 1913.
However, over a third of people who left a review of the baths online reported a less than satisfactory experience. The baths ranked third worst in the crowds and accessibility category (16.8 per cent of all reviews compared to the 4.4 per cent average).
Siam Park in the Spanish Tenerife is Europe's biggest water park, opened by the Princess of Thailand Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 2007. However, a visit to the 'world's best water park' is not universally enjoyable. Reviewers frequently mention the rude staff and accessibility issues.
Some reviewers mentioned feeling shamed due to their weight and mentioned the park not being disability-friendly. Overall, nearly a third of reviews had something negative to say about their experience.
Planned and built by the magazine Time Out (a British media and hospitality company) in 2014, Time Out Market Lisboa was the company's first venture into food halls.
In 2018 the project earned the prestigious Hamburg Foodservice Award - one of the most respected awards in the food-service industry. But according to reviews, things may have taken a turn for the worse since. Over a quarter of reviewers have left underwhelmed or disappointed.
It seems the Time Out Market Lisboa is a victim of its own success. The attraction had the greatest percentage of reviews mentioning crowds or access issues (18.4 per cent compared to the 4.4 per cent average).
The Trevi Fountain is an iconic Baroque monument in Rome and has been featured in popular films such as Fellini's La Dolce Vita and Wyler's Roman Holiday.
Every year, tourists throw an estimated €1 million into the fountain, and a coin tossed into the water is supposed to guarantee a return to Rome in the future.
Related
Tourists throw over €1 million into Italy's Trevi Fountain each year. Here's what happens to it
'Ugly' pool for coins built next to Rome's Trevi Fountain as city undergoes massive facelift
But if you cast a wish into the fountain, you may want to time your visit wisely. After Time Out Market Lisboa, the reviews had the second greatest proportion of people mentioning crowds or accessibility issues. Overall, one in four people had something negative to say about their experience.
The fountain was also closed for renovations for part of 2024, which may have contributed to some visitors' disappointment.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Apple sales accelerate on strength of iPhone, China demand
Apple sales accelerate on strength of iPhone, China demand

Los Angeles Times

time14 minutes ago

  • Los Angeles Times

Apple sales accelerate on strength of iPhone, China demand

Apple Inc. reported its fastest quarterly revenue growth in more than three years, easily topping Wall Street estimates, after demand picked up for the iPhone and products in China. Revenue rose 9.6% to $94 billion in the fiscal third quarter, which ended June 28, the company said in a statement Thursday. Analysts estimated $89.3 billion on average, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Apple also predicted that fourth-quarter revenue would be up by a percentage in the mid- to high-single digits — better than the 3% that analysts had forecast. 'We saw an acceleration of growth around the world in the vast majority of markets we track, including Greater China and many emerging markets,' Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said on a conference call with analysts. Apple shares initially gained nearly 3% on Friday, but the rally fizzled in the face of a broader market decline. They were down 1.6% to $204.22 as of 10:51 a.m. in New York. Though US tariffs have increased Apple's cost of doing business, they provided a sales benefit last quarter — with consumers rushing to stores to get out ahead of expected price increases. Still, this effect only amounted to 1 percentage point of the 10-point sales gain, Cook said. The company also has been staging a comeback in China, a market where local phone brands have made inroads with consumers. Services were another bright spot, topping Wall Street projections. Heading into the earnings report, investors were skeptical of Apple's prospects. The stock was down 17% this year through Thursday's close, putting the company well below Nvidia Corp. and Microsoft Corp. among the world's most valuable businesses. Apple had projected a $900 million headwind from tariffs during the third quarter, saying that revenue would grow in the low- to mid-single digits. Ultimately, the levies cost the company $800 million, Apple said Thursday. It sees tariffs adding $1.1 billion in expenses during the current period. Third-quarter earnings rose to $1.57 a share, beating the average estimate of $1.43. In China, Apple reported revenue of $15.4 billion, up 4.4% from a year earlier. Wall Street had been looking for sales of $15.2 billion from that crucial market. The Cupertino, California-based company generated $44.6 billion from iPhone sales during the June quarter, topping estimates of $40.1 billion. Beyond the tariff-spurred spending, the iPhone business got a boost in February from a new low-end model dubbed the 16e. That device costs $599, far exceeding the price of the model it replaced, the $429 iPhone SE. Apple will announce its next iPhones in September, and the next-generation devices typically go on sale in the final weeks of the fiscal fourth quarter. Services continue to be the company's biggest growth driver, with sales rising 13% to $27.4 billion in the third quarter. Apple didn't provide guidance for the segment when the company discussed its March results, citing uncertainty from 'several factors,' but Wall Street had been looking for about $26.8 billion. Though it's been a bright spot for Apple, the services business faces a variety of threats. Regulators around the world are proposing changes to its App Store policies, potentially reducing revenue from software and subscriptions. Separately, the US Justice Department is likely to upend an agreement with Google that makes the search engine Apple's default option. That arrangement generates roughly $20 billion a year for the iPhone maker. Apple also is struggling to keep up with rivals in artificial intelligence. The company is even considering outsourcing its large language models, or LLMs, the technology underpinning generative AI, Bloomberg has reported. On the conference call, Cook was upbeat about Apple's progress in AI, saying the company is upping its investment in the technology. He declined to comment on whether he believes LLMs will become commoditized, saying it would give away some of Apple's strategy. That suggests a shift toward outside technology may be in the cards. Cook also said he was open to acquisitions if they can accelerate Apple's road map. The company has already acquired seven small companies this year, he said, while signaling that bigger deals may be possible. 'We are are not stuck on a certain size company,' Cook said. Apple's Mac lineup was a highlight last quarter. The product chalked up sales of $8.05 billion, beating Wall Street expectations of $7.3 billion. The company released new MacBook Air and Mac Studio models with faster processors in early March, bolstering the division. The iPad generated $6.58 billion in revenue, down 8.1% from a year earlier. That missed Wall Street estimates of $7.1 billion. The year-earlier period included the launch of a revamped, pricey iPad Pro, making the comparison more difficult. Apple hasn't yet released a new iPad Pro this year, but does plan to launch one with an M5 chip and camera changes, Bloomberg News has reported. The company's Wearables, Home and Accessories segment — which includes AirPods, smartwatches, TV set-top boxes, Vision Pro headsets and HomePod speakers — remains in a downward spiral. Its sales fell 8.6% to $7.4 billion in the quarter. Wall Street had been looking for $7.8 billion. The business was once seen as a way to decrease Apple's reliance on iPhone sales, which account for roughly half its revenue. But the division peaked in 2021, when it had almost $15 billion during the holiday quarter. Apple blamed the decline on it launching major new iPad accessories in the year-ago quarter. A lack of compelling new products, however, is likely a bigger factor. The Apple Watch Ultra in 2022 was the last major change to the company's smartwatch lineup. The company also hasn't rolled out a new version of the AirPods Pro since 2022, and the low-end models from last year haven't been as big a hit as anticipated. The biggest snag for the category might be the Vision Pro, which costs $3,499 and took nearly a decade and several billion dollars to develop. Despite its high price, the device hasn't moved the needle for wearables revenue and has been a commercial flop. The company is planning a refreshed model later this year with a new chip — but meaningful changes to the product aren't planned until 2027. Still, the category may get a boost in the coming years when Apple rolls out smart glasses, rivaling a popular product from Meta Platforms Inc. Apple is also planning a new Ultra watch this year with satellite connectivity, a feature aimed at hikers looking to stay in contact when away from cellular networks. And it's developing new AirPods, an updated Apple TV box and a smart home device with a screen and fresh operating system, Bloomberg News has reported. On the call, Cook was asked whether consumers might eventually switch to some kind of screen-free AI device — posing a threat to the iPhone. He said that the company's flagship product will be tough to replace. 'It's difficult to see a world where iPhone's not living in it,' he said. 'And that doesn't mean that we are not thinking about other things as well, but I think that the devices are likely to be complementary devices, not substitution.' Gurman writes for Bloomberg.

Inside West Town's New Spanish Cafe, Now Open, Along Grand Avenue
Inside West Town's New Spanish Cafe, Now Open, Along Grand Avenue

Eater

time14 minutes ago

  • Eater

Inside West Town's New Spanish Cafe, Now Open, Along Grand Avenue

James Martin feels his Bocadillo Market can do for Spanish food what heavyweights like Tempesta Market, Bari, and D'Amato's have done for Italian street eats along Grand Avenue. Martin and his wife Jessica Neal have relocated their cafe to West Town, bringing Spanish sandwiches, croquetas, and new items like empanadas to a new home. The new location opened this morning at 1117 W. Grand Avenue. Neal, who holds a background in marketing and design, helped transform the former Gemma Foods storefront into an inviting spot where customers can relax while sipping espresso. Martin and his crew have brought back the same drink menu (which features Metric Coffee). Highlights include a mini & basil latte and an horchata chai. While the coffee program didn't receive enough attention in Lincoln Park, where Bocadillo debuted in 2021, it was Martin's food that earned the restaurant accolades, including a spot on Bon Appétit's Best New Restaurants of the Year. The menu celebrates Northern Africa's influence on Spanish cuisine and Martin's background as a D.C. native raised by Southern parents. James Martin and Jessica Neal An Horchata latte Eggplant Melt Patatas Bravas Paella is a highlight, and that will return when evening dinner service kicks off in September. Martin has big dinner plans, but he feels his sandwiches deserve a bigger audience. They're filled with imported meats and in between crusty baguettes (​​barra de pan) imported from Spain. The bread arrives parbaked and frozen; Martin says the bread's texture gives his sandwiches an authentic Spanish edge. The sandwiches are personal for Martin as he wants to keep quality food accessible to working-class customers. He speaks fondly of his father, who was a construction worker. The menu will adjust seasonally, and other items will come and go. For example, the empanadas are currently stuffed with onion, peppers, meat, and tuna. Walk through the space below. Bocadillo Market is now open. Bocadillo Market, 1117 W. Grand Avenue, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday; Dinner service starts in September from Friday through Sunday. Bocadillo Market also stocks Spanish goods like Vichy Catalan sparkling water. Don't sleep on the sweets here. The coffee is by Metric. Squash Blossom & Sobrasada

Ingersoll Rand Stock: Analyst Estimates & Ratings
Ingersoll Rand Stock: Analyst Estimates & Ratings

Yahoo

time37 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Ingersoll Rand Stock: Analyst Estimates & Ratings

With a market cap of $34.1 billion, Ingersoll Rand Inc. (IR) is a global industrial company specializing in mission-critical air, fluid, energy, and medical technologies. Operating through its Industrial Technologies & Services and Precision & Science Technologies segments, the company delivers a broad portfolio of products and solutions across diverse industries worldwide. Shares of the Davidson, North Carolina-based company have underperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. IR stock has decreased 17.2% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has returned 14.7%. Moreover, shares of Ingersoll Rand are down 16.5% on a YTD basis, compared to SPX's 6.2% gain. More News from Barchart With UnitedHealth Under DOJ Investigation, Should You Buy, Sell, or Hold UNH Stock Now? Trump Won't Take Away Tesla's Subsidies. Does That Make TSLA Stock a Safe Buy Here? Can AMD Stock Hit $210 in 2025? Markets move fast. Keep up by reading our FREE midday Barchart Brief newsletter for exclusive charts, analysis, and headlines. Focusing more closely, the flow control and compression equipment maker stock has also lagged behind the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLI) 19.1% return over the past 52 weeks. Despite reporting better-than-expected Q2 2025 revenue of $1.9 billion and adjusted EPS of $0.80 in line with analyst estimates, shares of Ingersoll Rand fell 11.3% the next day. Specifically, organic revenues declined 4% in the Industrial Technologies & Services segment and 2% in the Precision & Science Technologies segment, signaling underlying demand softness. Additionally, a reported net loss of $115 million, driven by non-cash impairments and a lowered organic revenue growth guidance for the full year, weighed on investor sentiment. For the fiscal year ending in December 2025, analysts expect Ingersoll Rand's EPS to grow 1.9% year-over-year to $3.24. The company's earnings surprise history is mixed. It topped or met the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing on another occasion. Among the 14 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a 'Moderate Buy.' That's based on seven 'Strong Buy' ratings and seven 'Holds.' On Jul. 21, Stifel analyst Nathan Jones raised Ingersoll Rand's price target to $95 while maintaining a 'Hold" rating, citing solid and stable demand based on management commentary and channel checks. As of writing, the stock is trading below the mean price target of $94.77. The Street-high price target of $108 implies a potential upside of 43.8% from the current price levels. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store