Travel News June 2018


Young people warned over holiday jobs


HE UK Border Force has been carrying out a campaign to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of working as 'touts' for bars and clubs in Majorca. According to the UK Foreign Office, some are being treated like modern-day slaves, with an undercover investigation finding that many young Britons have their passports seized by employers, are charged high rents and paid low wages. The Foreign Office also found that 20 of the 25 Britons in prison on the Balearic island are former touts. Touts - who are also called PRs - are hired to lure holidaymakers into bars with cheap drinks.


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The Border Force probe, which was conducted by criminologists, also found women were subject to sexual abuse from customers and male touts were attacked or bullied while at work. Lloyd Milen, the British Consul for Barcelona and the Balaeric Islands, told the BBC: "We commissioned some independent research, which showed us that many PR workers ended up in serious debt, many were working illegally, some had their passports retained and others faced repeated sexual harassment and assault."


UK Immigration Minister Caroline


Nokes said: "By highlighting the issue we want to ensure that those contemplating PR work in Majorca, many of whom are tourists tempted by the idea of an extended stay in the sunshine, do not find their summer turning into a nightmare."


The modern day slavery charity, Unseen, says it will be visiting airports and targeting flights to the island with leaflets to ensure young people heading out there are cautious.


Justine Currell, one of the charity's directors, said: "It can be really hard to tell the scale of the problem as the people doing the jobs can seem quite happy.


"But they can be stuck in situations where they are not allowed to leave, they don't have their passports and are forced to pay extortionate amounts of rent.


"We just want them to know that they have somewhere to turn - they can call our confidential helpline and there is help available."


The Foreign Office advises that anyone who is overseas and has had their passport taken should first report it to the police.


British nationals should then contact the local British Consulate for help and advice and to get a replacement.


Local tour operator launches 2019 programme to Bulgaria


NORTHERN Ireland based tour operator, Travel Solutions, have launched their 2019 holiday programme to Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach.


Making the announcement, Travel Solutions Managing Director, Peter McMinn said “Sunny Beach has proven to be a very popular destination for local holiday makers with many thousands returning year after year. Travel Solutions are pleased to be returning to the Black Sea resort again for summer 2019 with a range of competitive holiday prices”.


He continued “Travel Solutions continue to offer great value holidays with a choice of self-catering apartments and hotels which have all been inspected by a senior member of our team. All of our properties are well


known to our customers and offer a great holiday experience”.


Travel Solutions will operate from late May through to mid-September, with weekly flights direct from Belfast to Bourgas – less than 30 minutes from Sunny Beach. An experienced team of resort reps call daily at each property to offer advice on local attractions, recommending the best restaurants and bars in the resort, and to ensure holidaymakers have a great time. Week long holidays start from £329.00 per person, with a limited number of free child places available during school holiday periods at selected properties..


Travel Solutions holidays to Sunny Beach are available today from your local travel agent.


Jump onboard Non-lander!


STENA LINE is inviting people from all over Northern Ireland to experience a day out like no other with the launch of its Superfast Day Cruises. From now until December 20, Stena Line passengers can jump onboard this non-landing cruise from just £5 per person return and enjoy a wide range of experiences.


Customers can save up to 50% in the onboard shop compared to High Street brands and will also receive a £5 voucher when they spend £25 or more. Guests can enjoy some refreshments at the Metropolitan bar, Taste restaurant or Barista Coffee lounge and relax watching a free movie in the cinema or surf the web with complimentary Wi- Fi.


There’s also an interactive POD lounge, gaming zone and play area which is sure to keep the kids entertained for hours!


Setting sail from Belfast to Cairnryan every Tuesday to Thursday at 11.30am and returning to Belfast at 5.45pm and from just £5 per person return, this day cruise is the hottest ticket in town.


Superfast Day Cruisers also have the option to upgrade and indulge in even more relaxation by experiencing the Pure Nordic Spa, Stena Plus and new Hygge recline lounge which offers a haven for those who want to unwind and take some time out.


Orla Noonan, Travel Commercial Manager (Irish Sea North) said: “The Superfast Day Cruise is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a fun family day out or a friendly get-together with something onboard to suit everyone. “This day out with a difference provides relaxation, a spot of retail therapy, non-stop entertainment for the kids and much more,” Orla added.


UPDATE 3


Young people planning on working abroad thi summer have been warned not to hand over their passports to anyone


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