Last minute bookings to be taxed
Last minute bargain hunters
by jan Gamm LAST MINUTE holiday packages now represents between 30% and 40% of business for Benidorm hotels, according to Hosbec (The Business Association of Hotels in Benidorm). In a summer season where bookings have rocketed to the delight of hotel managers and the area has experienced its best July in five years, the practice of seizing last-minute deals is causing staffing chaos as management is unable to project service levels to accommodate demand. “It is impossible to plan ahead,” said Hosbec president Javier Garcia, “And that leads to an overload of work among existing staff and affects the quality of service.” CONTRACTS The proposed solution to the problem is to apply a levy to last minute bookings and
reward advance reservations, “…much the same as the airlines do – because last minute bookings do not benefit anyone, neither the employer, the employees or the customers,” said Garcia, who went on to point out that the present booking climate also affected employees’ chances of securing permanent contracts, with labour constantly engaged on a casual basis to cope with unexpected numbers. SPORT Among other improvements for Benidorm Hosbec recommends an injection of sporting activities and events to compliment the city’s image as the leading tourism attraction in the region and to raise its sporting profile. Hosbec did not comment on whether a tax on last minute bookings might prompt cashstrapped holidaymakers to look elsewhere for fun in the sun…
Guests enjoy free makeovers at Specsavers Opticas Torrevieja Open Day SPECSAVERS OPTICAS in Torrevieja celebrated the arrival of two new designer brand glasses by offering free make-overs at the store on Tuesday. Local hairdressers and beauticians were on hand to pamper and beautify the guests totally free of charge, and style advisors were there to help choose a frame to complement their new look. There was also a Flabelos Machine on site for the guests to try out which helps with conditioning, inch loss and toning, so visitors left the store looking and feeling great. Specsavers style advisors guided the guests through the ranges and advised them on the best colour, style and shape to suit their colouring, face shape and personal style. As part of the day, there was also a ‘Spectacle Wearer of the Day’ Competition, with great prizes won for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
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