Are They Breaking Trade Descriptions?

IKON

Hi All, My partner and I have just returned from a weeks holiday to north Africa. When we saw the holiday advertised on a tour operators web site, it was a late/ named hotel,so we were able to check out the brochure. Both the web site and brochure described the hotel as being part of a large european chain, As we had stayed with this chain before in other locations we were persuaded to book then and there. The hotel was not up to the standard we expected ( ongoing building work taking place each day) however it became clear after a few days that the hotel chain that this holiday was marketed under no longer owns/runs it.it is in fact now operated by another company. Upon returning to the UK I rang the large hotel chain who the brochure markets its name under,they confirmed that they no longer have any hotels in that country. Is the tour operator breaking the trade descriptions act? Should I complain to them direct or trading standards perhaps? Not sure were we stand here, the sole purpose of booking this trip was based on the fact that we thought we were staying with a large company we had used before.Im sure with the vast wealth of knowledge on these boards someone can advise.Thanks IKON

MrSmartprice

Yep, sounds like an offence under S14 of the TDA 1968. They have applied a false description to a service, accommodation or facility. If they say the hotel was, say, a Hilton when it wasn't that's what the offence is. Speak to your local TS Dept and tell them you are reporting a criminal offence. There are also civil matters ainvolved, due to misrepresentation of the service.