British kicked out of Corfu hotel and banned from TUI flight home after they complained about 'tepid' food at resort
Paul Bell, 64, and wife Ellie, 65, who live in a coastal town near Newcastle, booked a week-long half-board getaway at the Terezas Hotel in Sidari after previously enjoying a stay there.
However, their Greek island vacation was cut short when TUI removed them from the accommodation and said they wouldn't be able to get on their return plane journey - despite the couple booking a package deal.
The pair were left hundreds of pounds out of pocket, having to arrange an alternative route back with Jet2, splash out for taxi to the airport instead of a transfer, and book into another place to stay for the remainder of their vacation.
Paul says that he cannot understand why they were booted out - but added that his wife had previously been critical about the food they were served.
Earlier in the holiday, Ellie had complained to the manager about the quality of the meals, which Paul described as 'tepid' and 'not very nice'.
'Some of the things you would get were rice with sprouts, or another time you'd have rice with a slice of beetroot in it,' he told Chronicle Live.
'My wife spoke to the manager twice, she complained about the food being inedible and he didn't seem interested.
'She asked him to join us for breakfast the next day so we could show him what we meant, but he never turned up.'
The Terezas Hotel did not respond to request for comment.
The couple went out for the day and said they 'had a word' with the holiday rep when they returned.
The next day, while waiting for a day excursion to Corfu town, Paul and Ellie claimed they were handed a letter informing them they were unable to stay at the hotel for the remainder of their trip.
TUI claimed that the decision was based on repeated incidents during their stay which were considered unacceptable and disruptive.
However, Paul disputed this and alleges that TUI never asked him or Ellie for their version of events.
The letter, dated May 20, read: 'You caused a serious disturbance by shouting inside the hotel restaurant in front of other guests, resulting in significant distress and disruption to the peaceful environment of the hotel'.
It added: 'You directed aggressive and disrespectful language towards both hotel staff, the hotel owners, and TUI representatives on site.'
Paul claimed that this is not the case and says the decision was made without anyone from TUI approaching them for an explanation.
Paul says that he cannot understand why they were booted out of the four-star Terezas Hotel (pictured in a stock image)
'I don't remember anybody shouting,' he remarked. 'We only spoke to the rep on the day she was at the hotel and there was nothing disrespectful shown to her.
'They've never come and spoken to us to find out what happened, they've decided off what the manager has told them. But surely there are always two sides to a story? I was furious, because it spoiled the day we had planned.'
Paul and Ellie said they were told to contact the UK consulate if they required any further assistance.
Then, on May 21 at around 10.30pm, the couple said they had received another letter saying that Ellie was barred from flying home on the TOM1531 flight on May 23.
Just more than 12 hours later, another email said that both Paul and Ellie would be blocked from boarding the flight.
The travel company said that this decision had been made in accordance with their terms and conditions and that the decision was 'due to your conduct and behaviour'.
Paul booked flights home from Corfu with Jet2 a day earlier than intended on May 22, which cost them €328 (£279).
But after arriving back in North Shields, the couple received another email from TUI saying that 'the refusal of carriage for Paul Bell and Eleanor Bell has now been revoked, and you will now be allowed travel on your inbound flight'.
'That doesn't help us now, because we were told we have to make our own travel arrangements and we came home,' Paul added. 'We had to pay €60 (£51) for a taxi to the airport as well, because we weren't allowed on the transfers.
'When we go on holiday, we try to go somewhere nice and quiet, sit and chill, try the local stuff, go to the towns and see the scenery and to have food like we did (in the hotel) was really disappointing. We got no back-up whatsoever from TUI.
'They took whatever the manager said as gospel and came to a decision just like that. Had we been drunk and disorderly, fine, but we weren't - we've never had any bother on any holidays before, until this time with TUI.'
MailOnline understands that TUI plans to refund the couple's flights home with Jet2.com and their travel to the airport. TUI declined to comment further but said they had a 'zero tolerance policy' towards staff abuse.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, 41, looks slimmer than ever as she shows off her physique in a patterned bikini during family trip to Greece
Natalie Cassidy appeared to be in the shape of her life while showcasing her slender frame during a lavish family holiday to Crete on Sunday. The actress, 41, best known for her role as the trumpet playing Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, took to Instagram to share a glimpse of her latest trip. Natalie looked incredible as she sunbathed in a green and cream two piece bikini during the idyllic summer break. In another snap, the actress can be seen enjoying some personal time in the pool with her fiancé, cameraman Marc Humphreys. She appeared to be in top spirits during her sunny trip as she shared a smiley selfie while wearing a pair of tinted sunglasses and a white beach dress. Natalie appeared smitten in her post as she lovingly gazed at Marc while they enjoyed an Aperol Spritz. The actress best known for her role as the trumpet playing Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, took to Instagram to share a glimpse of her latest trip Alongside her album, she penned: ' Crete. 10 days of pure family time. UNO, clear seas, gorgeous people and beautiful food. 'I love you all so much and feel so blessed. NOT AN AD AT ALL NO DISCOUNTS NO NOTHING but thank you to @_oliverstravels_ as the villa and everything about this break were fabulous. Would recommend them for a trip.' Natalie has recently bagged herself a brand new job at Virgin Radio, ahead of her long-awaited exit from EastEnders after three decades. She has starred as Sonia Fowler on the popular BBC One soap for 32 years, first appearing in 1993 when she was just 10 years old. However, she announced she would be bidding goodbye to Albert Square for good in January after returning last year for the 40th anniversary, with her final scenes set to air on the show on Thursday's episode. But it seems she's already made huge strides with her post-EastEnders career, taking to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal she's taking to the airwaves with her own Easter show. Speaking from the Virgin Radio studios, Natalie told fans that she would be hosting a special one-off show on Easter Monday from 1pm until 4pm. She already has won many fans with her foray into the podcast world with Off The Telly, which she hosts with Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page. Natalie appeared smitten in her post as she lovingly gazed at Marc while they enjoyed an Aperol Spritz Natalie has recently bagged herself a brand new job at Virgin Radio, ahead of her long-awaited exit from EastEnders after three decade Ahead of the show, the soap star explained that she was trying to 'branch out' this year and be 'brave', as she gushed she was 'honoured' to get the opportunity. Natalie said: 'I'm very excited. This year I'm trying to branch out and do brave things, and this is one of them. 'I feel very honoured to have been given a chance on Virgin Radio. I'm a very big fan of the station and music in general. 'So to actually come in and do my own show feels very daunting, but there's a first time for everything.' She added: 'I would love to play Oasis for my first show, just a track, because I love them to pieces. Amy Winehouse is always a good one as well. Valerie, it's a karaoke family classic.' While Dennie Morris, Director of Audio at News Broadcasting said: 'It's an honour to welcome national treasure Natalie Cassidy to Virgin Radio for this special show – and I'm delighted she's such a big fan of the station.' The exciting news comes just one day before EastEnders viewers will have to say farewell to Sonia, with her exit from Walford being shown in the next episode. It will see her father Terry Cant (Glen Davies), return to the Square to invite her and her newborn daughter Julia to go live with him in Bali. Natalie first joined EastEnders in 1993 and remained on the show until 2007, but made returns in 2010 and again last year. It's not the first time she has branched out beyond Albert Square in her career, previously using her breaks from the show to star in theatre productions of The Vagina Monologues and Bedroom Farce. She also released a fitness DVD Natalie Cassidy's Then and Now Workout in 2007 and appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2012. After announcing her departure, she admitted she was 'extremely sad' about the decision to move on and that she would 'never forget' the show. In a statement given to The Sun, she said: 'I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited. After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I have decided it's time to move on to pastures new. 'EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show. 'Thank you to Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it's an honour. See ya, Sonia, going but never forgotten.' However, she admitted in March that the door has not been permanently closed for Sonia, with the writers allowing the possibility of her making a return. During an appearance on Saturday Kitchen, Natalie confirmed she had not been written out permanently, adding: 'I'm very, very grateful that the door's been left open. You never know. But it's nice to rest characters as well.' Reflecting on her long association with the soap, she said: 'Sonia's been around since 1993. People have grown up with her. It's nice to have a rest.' Referencing her previous eight-year break from the show, she quipped: 'Who knows, maybe another eight years now'. She also spoke about life in the public eye, saying fame was never something she actively pursued, but has become her normal after landing the role of Sonia at 10.
The Sun
20 hours ago
- The Sun
The Greek island untouched by tourists with white beaches and rolling hills
GREECE is home to many beautiful islands that are a magnet for holidaymakers in the summertime, but one small island offers a serene escape for those who like their streets and beaches empty. The picturesque Ionian island of Meganisi sits between Lefkada and the Greek mainland, and takes 45 minutes on the ferry to reach the island from Lefkada. 5 5 The lesser-known island is known for crystal clear waters in sprawling bays and white pebbly beaches. For example, a favourite is Abelaki Bay, where visitors moor up and enjoy a calm night in the bay with scenic rolling hills surrounding them. And one of the island's best beaches, Limnonari, which is a peaceful alternative to many spots on some of Greece' s popular tourist islands. One visitor said: "Beautiful bay with an absolutely lovely beach restaurant - a great place to anchor for lunch if you're passing through." Another added: "Beautiful Limonari Beach, with crystal clear waters and an amazing backdrop. For a historical spot, head to Agios Ioannis beach, which is named after a small church nearby. The church was built on the foundations of a monastery, which was sadly destroyed by pirates in 1477. The island has a few towns and villages to explore as well, including Katomeri - the capital of Meganisi. Visitors can expect to find mini markets, a bakery with fresh bread and some cafes and bars. The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach Thanks to the lack of tourists, by day the town is quiet - with locals emerging to socialise in the evenings. It is worth exploring the main port too, which is located in the town of Vathi - a traditional fishing village with several churches. Not much has changed in the town over the past century, with many of the day-to-day activities revolving around the arrival and departure of the ferry. Along the waterfront, visitors can explore a number of quaint tavernas and cafes as well, with many boasting traditional dishes and views of the harbour. From Vathi, you can also head along the coast to Spartochori - a picturesque village 50 metres above the sea level, with narrow winding alleys. Once in the village, visitors can experience breathtaking views across the ocean and on clear days, the islands of Lefkada, Skorpios and Madouri as well. 5 Astonishingly, Spartochori only gained electricity back in 1973 and until more recently, two cars were shared between the entire community. If you get hungry, there are a few traditional tavernas and a pizzeria in the village as well. Spilia, which is the smaller of Meganisi's ports, then sits just in front of Spartochori. Here, travellers can find three waterfront tavernas to enjoy a bite or drink whilst look out at the water. And after a short walk around the bay, you'll find a sandy beach with snack bars. Alternatively, for those exploring the coast of the island via boat, make sure to head to Papanikolis Cave. 5 According to Greeka, the cave used to be the hideaway of a submarine, which would tuck itself inside the cave after its blitzkrieg on the Italian armada. The cave is the second largest in Greece, nestled in one of Meganisi's white cliffs. For those who do want to explore the cave and surrounding water, they can hire a boat from Lakis Boats. There are a number of places to stay on the island, including Kavos House, a short distance from Spilia Port in the hills, with amazing views of Lefkada and the island of Scorpio. How to do two Greek islands in one trip TRYING to choose one of the 6,000 Greek islands for a holiday can be a tricky decision to make. The islands are so close in proximity that hotel groups like Kivotos Hotels & Villas, often have incentives in the form of discounts and private transfers so you can save yourself cash and tick off two places in one hit, says The Sun Travel's Kara Godfrey. The Mykonos property was one of the first boutique resorts to open on the island and was inspired by the nearby sacred island of Delos, which is said to be the birthplace of Greek gods Apollo & Artemis. The interior blends classic Greek architecture — think marble floors and bright-white walls — with modern art in the shape of pop-style busts and multicoloured glass lighting. Most of my time was spent in my own suite, one of 40 at the hotel, the majority of which have their own swimming pool. It took us just two hours by ferry to reach Kivotos Santorini from the Mykonos resort. The only thing that could tear me away from the tranquillity was the promise of a delicious breakfast at the rooftop AM du Chef restaurant. The sunsets are just as gorgeous on the neighbouring island of Santorini, where I was heading next. A Greek expert has shared their four better value islands - including ones with Santorini-like houses and secluded beaches. Plus, a woman went to the Greek island that's the 'birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world.
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Overcrowding, earthquakes and extreme heat: The Greek holiday could be changing forever
When Icarus made his escape from the island of Crete with wings made of feathers and wax, he ignored the warning not to fly too close to the sun. Overcome by the thrill of flight, he soared too high, the heat melted the wax, and he fell into the sea and drowned. Icarus's story is a cautionary tale on the dangers of overambition. It also serves as an effective metaphor for the crossroads Greece 's tourism industry finds itself at today. Tourism has long been one of Greece's economic pillars, contributing €21.7bn to the economy in 2024 alone. But after decades of growth, cracks are beginning to show. The country is grappling with overtourism, infrastructure strain, housing shortages, and the escalating impact of the climate crisis – all of which threaten to upend the very charm that draws millions of visitors each year. Last summer, Greece's ombudsman issued a report calling for urgent reform to address these issues. 'Our country's economy relies heavily on tourism, which makes the need to manage it in a sustainable way even more urgent,' the report said. It warned that Greece must not 'exhaust its potential, wasting it and making our tourist destinations unattractive over time'. Santorini's slowdown One of the most iconic victims of this pressure is Santorini. The Cycladic island, famous for its sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and volcanic beaches, has seen a drop in visitor numbers this summer. Airport data from January to May shows arrivals decreased by 24.4 per cent annually, according to reports – a notable shift for an island that has hosted more than 5.5 million annual visitors despite having just 15,550 residents. 'In Santorini, even tourists complain about the great number of tourists,' a 2024 report said. Cruise tourism, although recently capped at 8,000 visitors per day, has brought up to 18,000 passengers to Santorini daily during peak season, straining the island's resources. Rapid growth has led to overcrowding, congestion, and environmental damage, all of which have been noticed by prospective visitors. A widely reported swarm of 1,200 earthquakes between 25 January and 7 February this year also did little to help. While the mass anti-tourist protests seen in Barcelona and elsewhere in Europe have yet to erupt in Greece, frustration is mounting. In Athens, locals are increasingly concerned about the proliferation of Airbnbs and the hollowing out of community life, claiming central neighbourhoods are becoming a 'tourism Disneyland'. Paradise Iost As visitor numbers fall in Santorini, other islands are seeing a surge, forcing local governments to effectively 'spin plates' with tourism management – not ideal for a country more famous for smashing them. Dimitri Vayanos, a professor of finance and member of Greece's influential Pissarides Committee on economic growth, is watching closely from the island of Ios, where he has been involved in local efforts to combat overdevelopment. 'There's been little change since the ombudsman's report,' he says. 'It's more of the same.' Vayanos believes many smaller islands are now repeating the mistakes of Mykonos and Santorini: 'They're being overbuilt, with little concern for protecting their character.' He adds that authenticity, agriculture and local products are at the heart of Greece's tourism product. 'But tourism is draining the resources that sustain them.' Water shortages, exacerbated by climate change, are also a major problem. 'Even where water is scarce, people are building big developments with pools,' he adds. Though Vayanos sees potential for growth in underdeveloped areas, he fears Greece is playing a dangerous game of tourism 'whack-a-mole'. Where one island declines, another rises and sees similar issues. The tide turns Ferry companies are already reporting shifting travel patterns. According to Ferryhopper, routes once centred on Santorini are seeing reduced interest, replaced by island hopping between Ios, Milos and Mykonos. Rival site Ferryscanner reported a 50 per cent drop in bookings to Santorini by American tourists and a 33 per cent drop to Mykonos. In contrast, it claims lesser-known destinations like Aegina and Poros have seen surges of more than fourfold. British tourists are also breaking away from traditional destinations. Lefkada, Sougia, Fournoi and Kastellorizo have all seen interest soar by more than 200 per cent, with Lefkada recording a 1,167 per cent spike in ferry bookings compared to 2024, according to the Ferryscanner data. The Greek National Tourism Organisation welcomes the shift, adding that any drop in Santorini does not reflect waning interest in Greece overall and that the country is encouraging a more diverse spread of destinations. 'This tourism season, Greece is experiencing an overall increase in visitor numbers compared to last year, in general and from the British market specifically, reaffirming its strong position as one of the world's leading destinations,' says Eleni Skarveli, Greece's national tourism director for the UK and Ireland. The tourism board also claim a surge in interest for smaller, lesser-known islands like Naxos, Tinos, Kythnos, Kea, Sifnos, or Kythira. The Greek government has said it is taking steps to future-proof its tourism model. Eleni reports an ambitious €322m (£277m) strategy. The plan includes €160m (£137m) to upgrade tourist ports and €56m (£48m) for developing mountain and winter tourism, including ski resorts. Overcrowded islands On Zante, the alarm bells rang earlier this year when a report by Which? Travel, based on EU data, named the Ionian island Europe's most overcrowded resort. With only 40,000 residents, it recorded six million overnight stays in 2023 – 150 per resident. Locals report roads, sewage systems, and other infrastructure buckling under the pressure. But Bluebell Tuck, a British expat who has lived in Zante for 30 years and owns O'Callaghans Loft bar in Laganas, claims that any suggestion of overtourism hasn't caused friction with the locals: 'They welcome it with open arms, they know that tourism is our industry. We all know there's no way the island can survive on olive oil and farming alone.' She claims Zante is set to be as busy as ever this summer, but the rise in all-inclusive hotels sees less money distributed across the island's other businesses. Despite the continued flow of tourists, she says that those who rely on tourism in Zante are not complacent and have seen cautionary tales from elsewhere in Greece, comparing it to Kavos in Corfu and Faliraki in Rhodes, both of which have seen a reported drop in British tourists in recent years. She says that her bar's DJ has recently left Cavos after 10 years, describing it as 'dead'. Though Tuck believes Zante still has a future – thanks in part to constant reinvestment by local businesses – she, like many others, is critical of a lack of government investment: 'Here people are building really beautiful beach bar venues, they are investing in boats for tourists to rent out, we have nice restaurants and beautiful shops. We are actually investing our money back into the island. The problem is the government doesn't.' She points to issues with waste collection as an example of a lack of investment. Water scarcity is also a long-standing concern. In Zante, many businesses now rely on privately purchased water to keep running, and on nearby Lefkada, residents faced water outages for much of this summer. Wildfires and the climate crisis Earlier this summer, the Acropolis – the nation's ancient iconic attraction – was forced to shut its gates to visitors as temperatures in Athens soared above 40C. Meanwhile, firefighters again battled devastating wildfires across Greece, with Zante burning for much of August. As the Acropolis bakes under the relentless sun, it stands as a stark reminder that even the strongest monuments are vulnerable. Greece's tourism sector, for all its might, is no different. A study by the National Observatory of Athens suggests that the country could see 15 to 20 more 'extreme heat days' per year by 2050. Hotels and resorts are scrambling to respond. Some are redesigning their outdoor spaces to include shaded areas, misting systems, and heat-resistant landscaping. Greek Tourism minister Olga Kefalogianni recently announced plans to promote 'climate-resilient tourism'. The Greek National Tourism Organisation has worked hard to promote the country as a year-round destination, urging travellers to visit in spring or autumn to relieve the peak summer strain. Yet many argue these measures fall short and, without coordinated reforms, fear the country risks repeating Icarus's fatal error: 'Mykonos and Santorini have already been overbuilt. It's irreversible.' Dimitri warns, adding that unless Greece rethinks tourism from the ground up – balancing economic benefits with sustainability – the country could risk losing what makes it special in the first place.
