Holidaymakers have been warned to read the fine print of their all-inclusive packages after a rule change cracking down on alcohol consumption.
Jason Walker embarked on an ‘all-inclusive holiday’ to Mallorca this week but felt ‘angry’ after learning he was only allowed three free alcoholic drinks a day at his hotel.
For himself and his daughter, Jason paid £240 for a three-night, four-day all-inclusive holiday in Palma.
On arrival he was under the impression that all food and drink would be included in the price, as is the norm with all inclusive travel.
He said: ‘We only found out when we arrived and only budgeted so much because we thought all our food and drink would be covered.
“We were very upset and angry. We came as a family of eight to celebrate my cousin’s 40th birthday and although we still had a great time we incurred additional costs as a result.”
This rule change, which currently applies to certain areas of the Balearic Islands, including Palma, Ibiza and Magaluf, was introduced by the Spanish authorities with the aim of limiting anti-social behavior and excessive alcohol consumption.
As travel has been restricted during the pandemic, many vacationers are only beginning to feel the repercussions now that travel is resuming.
Under the new official rules, a limit of three drinks at dinner and lunch can be served to each guest, but if they are guests. If customers want additional drinks, they will have to pay for them themselves.
Other rules prohibit the sale of alcohol in stores between 9:30 p.m. and 8 a.m., as well as two-for-one drink deals and happy hours.
Party boats are also unable to advertise in regions and will be prohibited from dropping off/picking up guests at hotspots.
Although Jason understands that the government is trying to stop anti-social behavior, he thinks the new rules need to be better advertised.
He said: ‘I understand that they are trying to curb alcohol abuse and rowdy behavior but I think it was done in a very underhanded way – I was not informed and did not know not the law.
“We are also here with family and the all inclusive is great for families as you don’t have to worry about the budget for food and drink.”
Jason, who is from Blackburn, has also called on package holiday providers to re-label their offers in these areas and a warning should be issued to all future holidaymakers.
He said: ‘I’ve looked at the fine print and the three drink rule is there so I don’t think it should be sold as an all inclusive holiday it should be sold as half board or something of the gender. .
“If you are booking an all inclusive vacation I recommend looking at the fine print and seeing what is actually included and what is not as the rules have changed.”
A spokesperson for ABTA – The Travel Association said: “ABTA strongly supports initiatives that improve the health and safety of holidaymakers, as well as the well-being of local communities.
“Some of the measures introduced by the authorities in the Balearic Islands to limit anti-social behavior are likely to cause confusion among UK holidaymakers, so we welcome the recent clarification from the authorities, in particular that the restrictions will only apply to certain areas limited to Majorca and Ibiza rather than the whole of the Balearic Islands as originally proposed.
“ABTA will continue to engage with the Government of the Balearic Islands, ABTA members and other parties, to encourage clear communication and information exchange, to ensure that holidaymakers traveling to hotels designated areas enjoy a positive customer experience.”
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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-28 08:58:12
