A recent spate of fake food poisoning scams in Spain could end in British holidaymakers being banned from certain all-inclusive resorts.
Spain remains a popular destination for visitors from the UK, with its cheap flights and beautiful beaches.
Yet with the huge rise in reports, it has caused a problem that both airlines and hotels are battling to fight to prevent any further false claim.
With claims of up to £5,000, it is hitting the travel industry hard when it comes to paying out huge fees.
Related articlesTouts are reported to be targeting holiday goers to convince them of an easy payout if they pretend they fell ill on the holiday.
Two Brits who were suspected of doing this were recently arrested as the government clamps down on the illegal activity.
The fake claims have cost the industry over £52million last year, leading to hotels and packages in the country, with a 700 per cent rise in Mallorca alone as reported by the Spanish hotel owners association (CEHAT).
Any travellers who seek to make a false claim now face a huge fine and even a criminal sentence, as Spanish hotels even resort to hiring private investigators to seek out the fake claimants.
Mon, March 20, 2017
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A ninot representing US President Donald Trump burns on the last night of the Fallas Festival in Valencia, Spain
If you make a false or fraudulent claim, you may face legal proceedings in the UK or Spain
Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) have spoken out regarding the huge rise in false claims.
In a report on the website, it states: "With many families returning home from holiday this half term ABTA is urging them to heed warnings from the Foreign Office to be wary of holiday sickness claims companies cold-calling them for business."
The Foreign Office confirms this, stating: "If you make a false or fraudulent claim, you may face legal proceedings in the UK or Spain."
As well as legal matters, it could lead to many other long-term issues, such as increased prices for all-inclusive holidays and stricter protocol when it comes to making a claim.
Spain has also faced other problems in the past year.
Terrorist threats to the country have forced the number of Spanish police officers to be doubled.
It is worth checking whether a destination is at a high risk of terrorism when booking a holiday this year.
Holidaymakers are advised to stay vigilant in certain countries in Europe.
Related articlesSource: Tourists could be BANNED from all-inclusives in Spain after fake food poisoning scams
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