Holiday park problems in Europe

Holiday park issues may be more wide ranging than first thought, as multiple complaints reported in several European countries

UK scandals

British park operators have been under a harsh media spotlight during the last few years over a litany of questionable behaviour.

Misleading sales presentations and sometimes plain dishonesty have been covered by online, print, radio and TV reports. Park operators have been accused of telling holiday park customers that they could live in the unit permanently, and being disingenuous about the drastic depreciation prospects of their outlay.

Look North report on UK holiday park abuse

Health and safety issues have been raised, causing park unit owners to question how the steep park fees are being spent. Other concerns have been anti-social behaviour onsite; clients feeling blackmailed into expensive upgrades; and unfair contract terms (such as mandatory use of expensive park services like linin changes and utilities).

As the timeshare industry has demonstrated previously, expensive, feel-good, holiday product sales attract greed and sometimes even criminality.

Common issues for buyers

France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands all share similar basic problems for people looking to buy their own lodge or static caravan in an attractive holiday park:

Holiday park units are not classified as real estate in any of these countries and therefore are not subject to the same protections.

Examples of the risks created by this include out of control ground fee increases; park operators being able to sell or redevelop the land, which can leave the unit owner forced to move their caravan or even lose their money altogether; vague and unclear contracts; and hidden costs of maintenance and expensive utilities, which must often be purchased through the park at a premium.

Holiday parks: Stunning but can be rife with problems

The reputation of holiday parks in all five countries have suffered, creating mistrust among potential investors and tourists. The financial scandals often lead to legal battles, which have been reported in the media.

But what complaints do people have about their vacation experiences while staying on the parks?

France

France does have a thriving holiday park industry, with sites in picturesque rural areas or along the Mediterranean coast. But there have been reports of Gallic discrimination and mistreatment of guests.

Some parks refuse to invest in special needs access

Special needs customers, such as children with disabilities, allegedly face exclusion from activities or inadequate accommodations. Park operators have been accused of failing to provide training and resources to provide proper accessibility in French holiday parks.

There have also been reports of discriminatory behavior based on nationality. Non-European visitors, particularly those from less affluent countries, have reported being treated with suspicion or disdain.

The Netherlands

Many Dutch holiday parks are known to be fronts for large scale money laundering by criminal gangs who are buying up profitable parks for this purpose.

Not content with cleaning illegally earned money, the gangs are cashing in by running illegal businesses from the locations, including drug production, storage and dealing, as well as prostitution.

Dutch holiday parks. Centres for criminal activity

The average guest staying at a holiday park in the Netherlands is unlikely to be confronted with these activities.

Instead their complaints are about overcrowding, especially during peak seasons. The greed of squeezing too many guests into limited facilities results in poor sanitation, shortage of space, and insufficient staffing levels, creating a negative experience for staff and guests. People report poorly maintained equipment and facilities

Italy

Italian holiday parks are known for their stunning locations, but are accused of contributing disproportionately to environmental damage. The parks are reported to pollute and degrade local ecosystems through poor waste management and recycling.

As well as affecting the environment, this creates unsanitary conditions onsite, for guests and workers alike.

Tuscany holiday park: Environmental issues

Many parks are accused of mislead marketing, advertising luxury accommodation and services when the reality translates to overcrowded, low quality amenities and lodges.

Germany and Spain

Health and safety is also a major concern in both countries. While larger parks generally follow safety regulations, smaller parks often lack fire safety measures, proper sanitation, and adequate recreational facilities, putting guests at risk.

The lack of investment in these areas has sparked calls for more stringent regulations to ensure the safety of both workers and guests.

Need help?

If you have bought a holiday park unit and feel like you have been mis-sold or unfairly treated, get in touch with our team at European Consumer Claims.

ECC's consumer experts can help.