Centerparcs hit by Facebook holiday pricing criticism
Centerparcs are on the receiving end of unwelcome viral criticism today after an irate father took to Facebook top voice his displeasure at the holiday firms practice of hiking prices during busy holiday periods.
Paul Cookson had intended to book his family for a stay at one of the holiday firm’s resorts but was stopped in his tracks upon discovering that a £699 villa had been inflated by £300 for the duration of the school holidays.
Taking to Facebook in frustration Cookson wrote: “I am sick to death of being ripped off with this country.. I choose not to take my daughter out of school term away on holiday and stick to the set school holidays - but why should I be penalized by doing the correct thing as a parent??? it’s becoming a joke and it's time parents should take a stance to these corporate money grabbing monsters..”
Despite having a mere 250 friends the missive struck a chord with others and has now been shared more than 150,000 times as the message went viral amongst other out of pocket holidaymakers.
In the wake of this success a government e-petition calling for a ban on price hikes outside of term time has now surpassed 100,000 signatories.
The industry has moved swiftly to defend its practices however, with the Association of British Travel Agents pointing out that pricing is purely a matter of ‘supply and demand’.