Overview
- A Hanover district court found TUI Deutschland liable for a “travel defect” and ordered a 15% price cut for the days affected, awarding an additional €986.70 on top of a prior €350 refund.
- The case stemmed from an 11‑day August 2024 package at the Grecotel Kos Imperial that cost €7,186, where early‑morning towel reservations left pool loungers effectively unavailable.
- Video shown in court documented rows of chairs covered with towels from about 6 a.m., and the family said they secured loungers only once, leaving their 9‑ and 12‑year‑old children sitting on the ground.
- Judges said German package travel law requires a reasonable supply of usable sunbeds and held that guests are not expected to remove others’ towels or confront rule‑breakers.
- Industry outlets report hotels and tour companies are reviewing policies, with some adding chairs and stricter time limits, as the decision could prompt more claims over unusable resort amenities.