Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 30117

directive debate

SWALLOW Hotels has accused some of its rivals of "failing to live up to the spirit, disciplines and rules" of the EC directive on package holidays.

The chain, which operates 35 hotels, has opened a trust fund managed by solicitors for deposits and pre-payments and taken action on brochure descriptions of facilities and services in line with the directive.

But Swallow travel trade sales manager Caroline Burrows said she was concerned at the "poor response" of many other groups and independent hotels, many of which had dropped packages "to the detriment of the long-term interests of the market".

She said many hadtaken no action, thinking that because they had put together packages for atour operator to sell, the responsibility was automatically passed tothe operator. "That is not always the case," Ms Burrows added.

visitor increase

OVERSEAS visitors to the UK increased by 5% to five million in the three months to February 1994, according to figures released last week by the Government's Central Statistical Office. Spending was broadly unchanged at £2.32b.

world TAX THREAT

The World Travel and Tourism Council has published a report claiming that taxes enforced by governments across the world are out of control and threatening the industry.

It calls for governments to follow "coherent principles" when making taxation decisions.

NERO builds empire