First Choice Pull out of Plakias!

[martyn]

I have watched this topic with interest and although I am not involved (not UK resident) I would have thought that John R especially may have some recourse through the office of fair trading. This if successful would probably end up in a little compensation fore the cancelled booking, maybe enough to finance the extra for the independent route. Just my thoughts on the matter.

Martyn

[John R]

I went to the local travel Agent to get a 2005 First Choice Greece Brochure to read the small print on this very matter. And guess what, the 2005 brochure has not yet been published (so that agent told me ??). If this is the case then it is. by the last 2 years standards, very late in coming out. The problems we are becoming aware of may be the cause of that delay.

I am certain that cancellations of holidays by UK Tour Companies are covered in the small print and that the best I can expect is the option of money back or an alternative holiday. Money back is always an option that must be offered under UK law in these cases. Compensation is highly unlikely.

I have written to First Choice using good old fashioned postal methods asking them for clarification and what they are going to do about it etc. Thought that a good idea in the unlikely event that any legal matters did arise.

I'm not too worried - especially as when I'm in Plakias this september I'll have plenty of choice and time to arrange accommodation with people I already know for September 2005. Will be asking Stella of Stella Pension what she has to offer !!!

John R

[Mike G]

The First Choice brochure for 2005 was published in April/May although even after calling into local travel agents many times I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, one of them had an office copy which I was able to peruse. On the basis of what I had seen I booked 2 weeks at Kostas Chysoulla for 10/5/05 on the internet in May, at a good discount to the brochure price. I have paid the deposit and received the documentation. I have E-Mailed FC but all they have said in reply is that they will get back to me.

What a way to do business!!!!!

[Mike G]

Could someone enlighten me as to how many UK tour operators sell holidays to Plakias. If FC is pulling out I only know of Olympic.

[Greecemad]

This seems a far cry from the days when Plakias was block booked by SunMed. They used to have 3 reps + 2 rambling leaders + a botany leader.

Greecemad.

[dogwalker]

Just had to reply to the comments re Argo/Apollo.
We went to the Apollo with Argo earlier this year and could not fault it. We opted to take a hire car from the airport instead of the taxi transfer. Worked out at just over £900 for accomodation for 2 and 2 weeks car hire. The Apollo is a bit quiet and basic but has an excellent pool and is only about 2 mins walk to the beach/tavernas etc.
 The first minimarket you come to on your stroll to the beach is run by a very friendly English couple who are always willing to help with any problems you may have They also run a small library.
Argo reps were always there at the appointed time and were much in evidence at the airport. Best holiday we've had for ages, will definately be back.

[Mike G]

Re First Choice in Plakias in 2005 I have just received the following by E-Mail from FC.

Thank you for your email.

We regret that we have now dropped Plakias in Crete for operational reasons
as we have dropped a lot of units across the board.

Customer Services are currently in the process of advising passengers of
this, you will be informed by letter over the next week or so.

Back to the drawing board then. I wish Manos sold holidays in Plakias as I have had many positive holiday experiences with them (greatly outnumbering the few negatives).

[hopper]

Goodness, just had a look at this topic, biggest response ever. My advice DIY is not bad.    How is sleeping in your swag at the beach these days, windy  ?
cheers Hopper

[Mike G]

From information gleaned from a local travel agent it seems that Olympic, Argo, Cachet Travel and Greece and Cyprus Travel Centre featured Plakias for 2004, as well as the disgraced First Choice.

CT and GCTC are "specialist" operators and very expensive. Re. Argo, their brochure will be out at the end of August. Their website (www.argo-holidays.com) is operating so slowly I can't obtain any useful information on Plakias from it. Those with Broadband may be more successful. That leaves Olympic (a bit more expensive than FC but not too much) and Kosmar, that Ostraco has advised of. Currently Plakias does not feature on their website.

[John R]

I have a Kosmar (1st edition) 2005 greece summer brochure. On page 6 it has a large feature which says :-

"Coming soon...... to be featured in our forthcoming 2nd edition 2005 brochure

* Rethymnon
*Plakias
*Aghia Galini

3 Great New resorts on one of our most popular islands."

John R

[ostraco]

Yes John - I saw that too.
Hoping for some more information soon - watch this space!

[Allan Barham]

Since a number of First Choice users may have to think seriously about travelling independently next year it might be a good move to establish an accommodation database on this site with contact names, numbers and email addresses of the hotels and apartments that we all currently use.  I know that the Interkriti site has some information but it is by no means complete.  Why don't we all pick up business cards when in Plakias this year and submit the information to the centre?

[ostraco]

Since a number of First Choice users may have to think seriously about travelling independently next year it might be a good move to establish an accommodation database on this site with contact names, numbers and email addresses of the hotels and apartments that we all currently use.  I know that the Interkriti site has some information but it is by no means complete.  Why don't we all pick up business cards when in Plakias this year and submit the information to the centre?
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Great idea Allen - happy to try to get something going as you suggest.
There is some information already on the site - 'phone numbers and e-mail addresses, but I'm not able to keep a constant check on it, so any additions and corrections would be most welcome. [a href=\"http://www.plakias.co.uk/faqpopups/phone.htm]Check it out here.[/url]
I guess further info - contact names, comments on facilities etc. would also be useful - let me know and I'll make sure it's included - somehow!

[Susan K]

I agree that is a good idea. I have just looked at your link John and there is some accommodation I don't know. I will search the web and see if I can find out a little more.

Susan

[ostraco]

Thanks Susan,
As with anything like this - the more information the better!
Got my thinking cap on now about the best way to present it!