The controversial new holiday trend
It’s happened to all of us – you head out early to the pool or beach, only to find the best sun loungers have been “occupied” with a towel and yet the occupants are nowhere to be seen.
But now UK tour operators Thomas Cook has sparked controversy by offering people the ability to book a sunbed in advance — for a fee, of course.
From February, the company is offering the service for people who are willing to pay EUR25 (AU$38) per day in advance at 30 participating resorts.
Guests will be emailed six days before they arrive with a map of the hotel pool and the ability to reserve any of the loungers in the area.
The service has sparked controversy with many people seeing it as a trend of businesses charging for extras that were previously free, such as airlines charging for extra legroom and priority boarding.
Thomas Cook responded by claiming the system will make holidays “stress free”.