Thomson laughs off holiday competition controversy
A Thomson photo competition caused controversy when the owner of a horse in the winning picture tried to claim a share of the prize.
The photo entered into the ‘Made Me Smile’ competition was taken by three-year-old Jacob Bellis on a public footpath and shows the horse barring its teeth behind the boy’s dad David.
After the Bellis family won the first prize of a £2000 holiday, the horse’s owner, Nicola Mitchell, complained to Thomson.
She said Bellis should have asked for consent to enter a photo of her horse, Betty.
Ms Mitchell told the Guardian she expected some ‘token gesture’ as it was her horse that won the holiday.
However, Thomson confirmed that it is giving the prize to the Bellis family.
In a statement it said: "Our Blue Monday competition was meant to make people smile on what’s been deemed the most depressing day of the year. We can confirm that despite questions over foal play, Mr Bellis and his family will still be receiving their holiday. And we’re sure they will hoof a good time."
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
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026