Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 11 to 15.
All holidays involve some element of risk, whether in the form of illness, bad weather, being unable to get what we want if we delay booking, or (11) . We ask ourselves what risks we would run if we went there, if there is a high likelihood of their occurrence, if the risks are avoidable and how significant the consequences would be.
Some tourists, of course, relish a degree of risk, as this gives an edge of excitement to the holiday, (12) . Others, however, are risk averse and will studiously avoid risk wherever possible. Clearly, the significance of the risk will be a key factor. (13) . The risk averse will book early, choose to return to the same resort and hotel they have visited, knowing its reliability, or book a package tour rather than travel independently.
(14) . There is evidence that much of the continuing reluctance shown by some tourists to seek information and make bookings through Internet providers can be attributed to, in part, the lack of face-to-face contact with a trusted – and, hopefully, expert – travel agent and, in part, (15) in favour of the information provider.
(Adapted from The business of tourism)