TUI apologises for describing renamed hotel as ‘brand new’
TUI has thanked customers for pointing out a Dom Rep property it described as ‘brand new’ is in fact a renamed hotel that has previously been linked to holiday sickness claims.
On its website, TUI described the Impressive Resort and Spa as ‘a brand-new property so no TripAdvisor rating exists for it yet’.
In fact the Impressive Resort is the new name for Sunscape Bavaro Beach in the Dominican Republic and promotional pictures on the listing are identical to those used for the Sunscape resort, MailOnline Travel reports.
The website listing goes on: "The Impressive Resort and Spa is pulled right up to El Cortecito beach. Plus, it’s popular with foodies, thanks to its themed restaurants and adults-only wine bar.
"It’s all eyes on the beach at this place. You can expect a trio of lagoon-shaped pools surrounded by palm trees, and a chiffon-white stretch of sand on your doorstep."
Last year, a British family that stayed at the Sunscape claimed contaminated chicken eaten at the hotel had caused their children to be taken to hospital. The family said it is ‘still battling with TUI’ over the claim.
Holidaymaker Carl Lawton, who is currently staying at the renamed resort, posted on Facebook: "Please everyone be warned that TUI are advertising The Impressive Beach and Spa resort as a brand new property in the Dominican Republic.
"We are currently staying at the resort and it’s not a new resort or a new property, it’s in fact the Sunscape beach resort.
"I feel totally let down by TUI and believe this to be the highest degree of mis-selling I have ever come across.
"TUI should never ever be able to get away with this blatant act of conning people."
He also claimed: "Just to add, the same problems are being encountered at the Impressive beach = stinking of poo, cold food etc."
Many TripAdvisor reviews have been positive, with the resort scoring an average of four stars.
Unlike TUI, Canadian airline Air Transat has been transparent about the name change, saying: "The Impressive Resort & Spa hotel was formerly known as the Sunscape Bavaro Beach Punta Cana."
A TUI spokesperson said: "We’re sorry for any confusion about the Impressive Resort and Spa in Punta Cana.
"We would like to thank customers for bringing this to our attention and the wording is being updated and corrected following the simple mix up."
MailOnline Travel has contacted the Impressive Resort and Spa for comment.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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