PRISON WARNING OVER FALSE CLAIMS

UK travel bosses 'embarrassed' by British holidaymakers

BRITISH holidaymakers who are filing fraudulent compensation claims against Costa Blanca hotels could face prison sentences.

The warning has come from travel trade organisation ABTA, which claims it is 'embarrassed' by what hoteliers regard as a 'British problem'.

ABTA has launched a campaign in the UK called Stop Sickness Scams and is demanding that the British authorities clamp down on this problem.

The Foreign Office has also warned tourists against making any fraudulent claims, stating: "If you make a false or fraudulent claim, you may face legal proceedings in the UK or Spain."

The FCO website warns: "You should only consider pursuing a complaint or claim if you have genuinely suffered from injury or illness."

"There have been reports of an increase in holidaymakers being encouraged to submit a claim for personal injury if they have experienced gastric illness during their stay."

Some tour operators have contracted private detectives to tackle the issue and at least in one case a couple claiming sickness and demanding £10,000 compensation are now facing a counter lawsuit for £170,000 from the hotel management.

Action is also being called against so-called ambulance-chasers. Holidaymakers have complained they have been contacted by such firms as soon as they return from their vacation and urged to file claims.

Some firms even employ touts outside Costa resorts.

An ABTA representative has urged the UK government to change legislation as a legal loophole exists in the case of firm pursuing personal injury cases in Britain.

Costa authorities and the British consul are already working together to tackle this problem - see page 5.