French Tourists Forced to Pay $1,700 Hotel Bill Twice After Thomas Cook Collapse

The two tourists have not yet digested their misadventure. While they were on vacation and savoring their vacation in the ochre city, they were forced to pay the full stay on site, before leaving the establishment and taking the plane that was waiting for them, last Friday. Yet they had already paid the bill with the Agency, Aquatour, in Lens, reports La voix du nord.

Faced with such an unpleasant surprise, the couple had to comply with the demands of the hotelier: "We paid the hotel, and the bill amounts to 1,540 euros," says Maryse Sart.

Upon their return to France, the two Carvinois contacted their travel agency to find out what would happen next, including the terms of reimbursement.

"They told us they couldn’t do anything at all because of Thomas Cook’s bankruptcy. Yet nothing indicates that they are part of the group when you cross their doors," she laments.

As a last resort, Aquatour Lens nevertheless redirected them to the ASPT, a financial guarantee that replaces the failing company and deals with the financial aspect. "But they are overwhelmed, obviously. We have sent everything and we are waiting," observes Maryse Sart.

Already, she has launched a search for other victims living in the same municipality, and for a lawyer, with the aim of "creating a small group and possibly taking legal action," she says, convinced that she can make her approach successful.