First Choice drops Costa Brava

Spain’s Costa Brava, recognised by many as the birthplace of the package holiday, has reportedly been dropped by the tour operator First Choice – with others saying they are considering whether to keep the region as a holiday destination. The Daily Telegraph quotes the company as blaming hoteliers for the decision, which represents the first time the operator has ever pulled out of a Spanish destination. Tim Williams, product director for the company, is quoted as saying: “Unlike other package destinations in Spain that have reinvented themselves and provided extra activities for our customers, the Costa Brava has not updated itself.” The newspaper states that Cosmos is now reviewing whether to include the Costa Brava in next year’s brochures, and that MyTravel and Thomas Cook have also “expressed doubts” over the region. The Telegraph also quotes Manuel Butler, of the Spanish tourist office in London: “I was at a seminar last month and everyone was worried about this. But I think they are now taking steps to put everything right and I am confident they will do so. As we say in Spain, better later than never.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad