Thomson holidaymakers rebel in Dominican Republic
Thomson has been forced to move clients out of a hotel in the Dominican Republic after they staged a sit-in protest against an ‘invasion’ by local tourists on cheap packages.
More than 160 guests at the five-star Riu Merengue in Puerto Plata complained about the allegedly rowdy behaviour of locals who, they say, urinated in the pool and on sunloungers and raided food from the restaurant, said MailOnline.
Thomson said it had relocated some guests to a similar property nearby and that it was now working with the hotelier to investigate a complaint by one of its customers about the level of service at the Riu Merengue.
The MailOnline said the 100 guests were only moved after they held a two-day protest at Thomson’s desk at the all-inclusive hotel, demanding their rep sort out the problem. They were also given £30 each compensation, it said.
However, Thomson said the majority of customers had opted to stay at the hotel.
A spokesman for Riu Hotels told MailOnline : "During the summer months, we do have local clients in our hotels in Puerto Plata, especially at weekends.
"The culture in the Dominican Republic is very different and it is very important to us that all clients enjoy their holidays in our hotels.
‘We are working closely with the hotel and tour operators to investigate the complaints and solve any issues in the best possible way."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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