Christopher Deacon speaks to Travel Weekly about hotel safety standards following the recent deaths of three Brits on the island of Majorca.
Holidaymakers to Spain are being put at risk with compliance to local hotel safety standards being described as a “lottery”.
The warning from a legal expert came in the wake of a third young British holidaymaker dying in a balcony fall from a hotel in the Majorca party resort of Magaluf.
Christopher Deacon, senior associate, said: “Following the recent news of a third British holidaymaker tragically falling at the Eden Roc resort in Magaluf, there are some clear safety issues that need addressing to avoid further death or serious injury.
“I understand from reports that the mayor of Magaluf is looking into tightening up the safety regulations.
“There are already strict safety and building regulation guidelines in Spain, but these do not apply retrospectively.
“This puts holidaymakers at risk, with the hotel’s compliance with the most recent safety standards being a lottery for guests depending on when the hotel was built or last renovated.
“The hotel could well be liable for compensation if a failure to adhere to local standards or if a breach of its duty of care to guests was found to have caused the injuries.”
Deacon added: “Whilst everyone has responsibility for their own personal safety on holiday, many of these resorts thrive on a business model aimed at attracting young holidaymakers drawn by the promise of cheap hotel accommodation and a guaranteed party scene.
“Hotels should be aware of the heightened risk to guests who may be unfamiliar with the surroundings, particularly when returning to their room after enjoying the local nightlife which is part and parcel of this type of holiday.”
This article first appeared in Travel Weekly here.
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