YouTravel has begun legal proceedings against a publication in the Canary Islands over a report which appeared to link the company with concerns among local hoteliers about unpaid bills.
The story suggested hotels in Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura were involved and quoted the president of the hotel and tourism employers’ federation in Las Palmas. The report referred to YouTravel as a Greek company, but that could stem from the fact that founder John Kent is from Greece and it has an office in Athens.
A spokesperson for the accommodation provider said: “Following a story in Canarias7, a local Canaries newspaper, late last week we have initiated legal action in the court of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria as the story presented therein contained numerous inaccuracies and exaggerations about our business.
“We have liaised with the local hotel federation and we are in discussions with a number of hotels to clarify any concerns arising. Normal business continues.”
YouTravel sells through the trade and did so exclusively in the UK until February this year when it launched consumer site YouTravel.com. As a result it rebranded its trade-facing site as YouHotels.com. The Guildford-based company is a member of the Travel Trust Association and offers full financial protection to consumers.