TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community, recently announced the results of its smoking survey of more than 1,400 travelers worldwide, revealing that nearly 90 percent of respondents believe hotels and restaurants need to be clearer about whether they are smoking or non-smoking establishments, and where smoking is permitted and prohibited.

Eighty-six percent of travelers surveyed are non-smokers. While only 14 percent identified themselves as smokers, 23 percent admitted to “social- smoking.” Twenty-two percent of travelers said that visiting a city or country where smoking is prohibited is “always” a consideration, while 34 percent said it is “sometimes” a consideration. Whether a destination prohibits smoking is a bigger consideration among smokers than non-smokers.

The biggest smoking pet peeve among respondents was checking into a designated non-smoking room, only to find it reeking of smoke, according to nearly 50 percent. Thirty-six percent most resent having smoke waft on to them from another table at a restaurant. Among Europeans, the restaurant smoke violation is a greater offense than checking into a smoky hotel room.

Twenty-eight percent of travelers surveyed said they “always” avoid locations where smoking is allowed in public places (such as certain restaurants and hotel lobbies), 39 percent said it is something they “sometimes” avoid.

Fifty-three percent of respondents agreed that smoking bans are “the greatest thing since sliced bread.” Twenty-one percent believe that smoking bans create a new nuisance, with smokers congregating outside of restaurant and hotel entrances.

About one-quarter (26 percent) of respondents believe there is a need for hotels in which smoking is permitted in all areas, eliminating the need for “smoking floors,” in otherwise non-smoking hotels. About one-third of travelers surveyed (33 percent) believe smokers should be allowed to puff away in open-air restaurants and line/queues. Six percent of respondents said smoking bans are unnecessary.

Source: TripAdvisor