Corfu Aqua Beach Club Acharavi - CANCELLED
Kos Aqua Beach Club Tingaki - CANCELLED
Kefalonia Aqua Beach Club Lixouri - CANCELLED

LATEST NEWS 08.08.2006 E-Brochure confusion Electronic brochures still advertise abandoned Aqua Beach Clubs Like many tour operators First Choice now operate an "e-brochure" system, this allows visitors to their website to select a customised electronic brochure which is emailed to them in minutes. Sounds like a great idea, up to date information on your desktop in minutes.  Hmm, it would be if the information was actually correct and up to date. Unfortuantely, the current e-brochures on the FC website feature all of the abandoned Aqua Beach Club resorts, none of which are avialable any longer from First Choice.  So once again the hapless customer receives outdated information and wastes their time and money chasing something that is not available and does not exist. Distributing information electronically is supposed to ensure rapid updating of key facts, allowing for any changes that occur. Sadly not all companies have entirely grasped the electronic age and persist in just distributing the same out of date info by a new method. E-brochures are a great way of rapidly distributing information, but only if the companies concerned can be bothered to ensure that the  material they are sending out  is current & correct. Out of date, irrelevant nonsense, is just that, regardless of the high-tec method used to distribute it 10/10 for the idea 1/10 for the implementation LATEST NEWS 03.08.2006 Some First reports from Kos Aqua Beach Hotel uninspiring The first holidaymakers to stay in the former First Choice resort report on their experience, whilst some enjoyed it, others report horror stories of sharp surfaces in swimming pools, deep maintenance pits left unguarded, drunken underage teenagers, vandalism and theft. It is now becoming clear why First Choice felt that the property was not up to their required standard and it would appear that the bargain basement pricing strategy has attracted some holidaymakers who have no respect for the resort or other people's property. Perhaps in time the teething troubles will be resolved, or is it just a case of "Pay Cheap - Get Cheap?" Read the full story >>>>> LATEST NEWS 28.07.2006 First Choice pull out of all Aqua Beach Clubs First Choice Holidays are apparently contacting customers booked for the Aqua Beach Clubs in 2007 and have told them that they will not be opening the resorts at all. As always no real explaination is being given for this, but the whole Aqua Beach Club experience has ben a sour one for all concerned.  As reported below the Kos resort did finally open a few weeks ago, but without any First Choice involvement.  It remains to be seen if any other tour operator wishes to take on the apparently poisoned chalice of the Aqua Beach Clubs. In Corfu no resort was ever started due to "inconsistencies" in the planing approval, but we do know of new First Choice plans to build a different All-Inclusive resort close to that location, which we will continue to oppose for the reasons we have always given. As for Kefalonia, who knows what will happen there?  The Kefalonia Aqua Beach Club was declared unfit due to subsidence, it is unknown whether remedial work will be done or if the resort will be bulldozed or perhaps left as a monument to poor organisation. The whole sorry saga has benefitted few and caused un-neccesary stress to many.  The only party to benefit are the tour operator who denied the customers their first choice of holiday, and then due to an 11th hour cancelleation many found they had hobson's choice. Throughout it all has anybody learnt anything? Perhaps holidaymakers will now stop taking brochures at face value and stop booking resorts that are depicted  with artists impression drawings, meaning that they are probably not yet built. Maybe more people will do their research in advance to avoid the streesful events many have suffered, due to misinformation from tour operators. Maybe certain tour operators will now have a better understanding of customer needs and expectations, and how to fulfill them. HINT: Cancelling customers' dream holidays at the last minute isn't the best way to go! LATEST NEWS 14.07.2006 Kos Aqua Club Hotel Opens - But without First Choice The sharp eyed will probably notice a discrete change in name, formerly known as Kos Aqua Beach Club, the property has been hastily renamed as ( We presume ) the local operator goes it alone and opens the resort.  It is being offered on  an accommodation only basis by the holiday hotels website and appears to be bundled with flights by others. First Choice's last comment on the matter was that they were not sending holidaymakers to the resort during 2006 as they felt that some of the facilities did not meet the  standards required.  It is however, unknown what the specific issues were in relation to First Choice's decision. LATEST NEWS 30.06.2006 First Choice Holidays cancel Kos Aqua Beach Club at the 11th hour This time they blame the builders Holiday company let's customers down for the 3rd time in succesion With the first arrivals due to literally fly out tomorrow (1st July 2006) First Choice Holidays abandon Kos Aqua Beach Club for the 2006 season.   The beleagured Holiday company this time blames the local developer for not building the facilities to the required standard and say they are taking legal action against them. This now means that none of the projected Aqua Beach Club resorts due to open in Greece during 2006 will open this year. Once again the tour operator has chosen the last minute to inform customers, who now have little option but to accept anything offered by First Choice or an outright cancellation. In some cases this largely means the surplus stock of holidays that first choice haven't managed to sell this season. The decision comes literally at the 11th hour as the First Choice management team leave it as late as this afternoon to inspect the site. It is odd that the decison to announce this has come so late when there were VIP's witnessed touring the site on the 14th June and First Choice customers services has spent at least the last month assuring customers that everything was complete and ready to go ahead of schedule. Our view is that the tour operator has treated it's customers in an appalling fashion throughout this long and protracted saga and does not deserve their future business.  The cutomers themselves surely deserve significant compensation in the light of this massive triple blunder by First Choice Holidays. Doubtless at the end of the year First Choice directors will pay themselves handsome bonuses in recognition of the "great job" they have done this year.  We suggest that the directors earn those fat bonuses by manning the customer services phonelines themselves from tommorrow.  Your colleagues are, after all, going to need all the help you can give them.  Callers to the First Choice phonelines complain of long queues this morning (Sat), whilst most travel agents are unaware of developments, one First Choice travel agent even claiming the latest news was a "hoax" when the facts are clearly stated on the First Choice website. Customers of First Choice's Dutch subsidiary are reportedly being offered a free holiday in Kos plus their money back or 1.5 times their money back if they reject this offer. British customers are apparently offered a holiday anywhere of greater value (subject to agreement) plus 20% of their original payment.  First Choice yesterday stated that they would provide an "appropriate level of compensation" - is this appopriate?  we're not so sure! British users are finding that any so-called compensation is being swallowed up by "upgrades" to more expensive holidays. Surely any compensation should be independent of the the replacement holiday offered, which First Choice should be paying for out of their own pockets? Unfortunately we are not allowed to create a link to the relevant page of the First Choice website without their written permission!?#  As a service to our visitors we provide the nearest that we can an indirect link via Google >>>>> Meanwhie disappointed holidaymakers vent their anger on holiday message boards >>>> Our Advice to those contacting the customer helplines today: We realise that you have been let down appalingly, but don't take it out on the customer services staff, they have been treated appalingly (by their employer) too!  Past experience has shown that if you can keep your cool and deal with things in a professional way you may get more flexability and a better result. Bare in mind that your local travel agent is probably also as in the dark as you, so again try and take the calmer route and gain their sympathy, it can work wonders at difficult times! THE BIG QUESTION NOW IS WILL FIRST CHOICE HOLIDAYS REFUND ALL THE ADMIN FEES THEY TOOK FROM PEOPLE WHO TOOK THE EARLY DECISION TO TRANSFER FROM THE AQUA BEACH CLUBS, NOW THAT ALL THESE RESORTS ARE CANCELLED FOR 2006? LATEST NEWS 04.06.2006 Corfu Aqua Beach Cub referred to European Court. The latest information from Corfu suggests that the whole Corfu Aqua Beach Club issue has been referred to the European Court in an attempt to prevent any construction on the site. Meanwhile the tour operator continues to advertise this non-existent resort claiming that it will "be complete for Summer 2007".  The same tour operator previously described the resort as "newly completed" when no construction whatsoever had taken place. So no surprise that the tour operator concerned is becoming many holidaymaker's "Last Choice" Kos Aqua Beach Club - BBC TV's Holiday Hit Squad reports Following complaints from a number of holidaymakers regarding the use of "artists impressions" in travel brochures a team from the BBC decided to visit the site of the Kos Aqua Beach Club.   Whilst building was taking place, it did look as though there was much to do to reach the then promised opening date at the end of May.   Immediately prior to broadcast First Choice holidays issued a statement indicating that the Kos resort would delay it's opening until 1st July and the Kefalonia resort would not open at all in 2006.   Later news from First Choice travel shops seemed to indicate that there was a subsidence problem on the Kefalonia site. After the case was taken up by the BBC's "Holiday Hit Squad", First Choice promised that the hotel  "will be finished well before the new opening dates." with  tour operator assurances that "Extra time had been factored in" to ensure a ontime opening. Interestingly, the tour operator blamed "adverse weather conditions and power cuts in Greece" for the delay in their building program.  However, our correspondents in Kos described last winter as "mild" and said that the extent of power cuts were limited to a day or so. Besides is it not common practice to use power generators where onsite power is needed? When the BBC made their visit, there seemed to be little need of electrical power as workmen hammered roofing tiles into place - exactly how many volts does one need to operate a hammer? Read the full BBC report >>>>>> LATEST NEWS 10.05.2006 Kefalonia Aqua Beach Club CANCELLED FOR 2006 Kos Aqua Beach Club - Existing bookings cancelled until 1st July 2006 Despite assurances that the 2 remaining Aqua Beach Club resorts remained on target for their revised opening dates holidaymakers have been receiving phonecalls today advising the above information. Apparently the Kefalonia cancellation follows a directors visit to site. These sudden developments coincide with the broadcast of an investigation by the BBC's Holiday Hits Squad team, their programme is due to be broadcast on Thursday 11th May 7PM BBC 1  The tour operator says that they are setting up a dedicated hotline to deal with Aqua Beach Club enquiries and that this will be available from 11th May 2006. LATEST NEWS 30.04.2006 Frustrated First Choice customers booked for the remaining Aqua Beach Clubs open an online petition demanding better treatment - Over 100 unhappy customers add their "signatures" in little over 1 day Click here >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Kefalonia Aqua Beach Club Photos >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ( Ionian Island Website ) Kos Aqua Beach Club Photos  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ( Holiday Truths Website ) LATEST NEWS (updated 21st April 2006) Rumours circulate that NONE of the Aqua Beach Clubs in Greece will open on time The latest info suggests that Kefalonia Aqua Beach Club will now not open until 13th June 2006, whilst the First Choice website has ceased taking bookings for the Kos Aqua Beach Club. First Choice suggest that the Kos resort has temporarily been taken off sale for a week whilst adjustments are being made to their computer systems, but insist that everything is on schedule. Independent photos of the Kos site have appeared on the internet showing the resort under construction. Speculation is rife as to whether the 2 remaining resorts will open on time, and due to the lack of consistent and convincing information from the tour operator, customers who have booked holidays there are understandably concerned as to whether these resorts will open on time and with all brochured features up & running. The information available via the internet seems to change on an hourly basis, and we can only hope that the customers who have put their trust ( and money ) with First Choice will be rewarded with an enjoyable holiday in a completed and fully functioning resort. Though it is hardly surprising that people are concerned and rumours circulate after the problems that beset the Corfu resort and the way in which the tour operator handled and continues to deal with enquiries from concerned customers. LATEST NEWS (updated 1st April 2006) Information obtained from various message boards seem to indicate that construction of both Kos Aqua Beach Club & Kefalonia Aqua Beach Club are some 4 weeks behind schedule.  We are unable to substantiate this info as we do not have any contacts in either of these locations.  We understand that bookings are only now being accepted for the 23rd May or later and that some earlier bookings have been cancelled by First Choice.  If this is the case then it is a double blow for some holidaymakers who have been transferred to these resorts, after it was announced that Corfu Aqua Beach Club would not open during 2006.  Anybody booked for Kos Aqua Beach Club or Kefalonia Aqua Beach Club during May 2006 are strongly advised to contact First Choice Customer Services for clarification. FIRST CHOICE ADMIT THAT CORFU AQUA BEACH CLUB WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL  DURING 2006 28-01-2006: The latest Information we have received suggests that the Corfu Aqua Beach Club will not open at all during 2006.  If this is the case First Choice do not appear to be hurrying to tell holidaymakers who are already booked, quite why they are not is open to speculation.  Many have been simply told this news when enquiring about building progress on the Corfu site. If this is the case it is a truly appaling way to treat customers, particularly considering that we as outsiders have been called liars & worse by a tour operator who as of a week ago was still promising an opening date during 2006, whilst making false claims that building work was progressing when no building work whatsoever had taken place.  We can only sympathise with those given mis-information and empty promises over the last few months. If you are booked at the Corfu Aqua Beach Club we strongly suggest that you contact First Choice customer services asap.  You may also like to read ABTA's code of conduct for background information. WANT TO TALK DIRECTLY TO A HUMAN (NOT A MACHINE) AT FIRST CHOICE? DIAL 0870 850 3999 and press 3 then 4 FIRST CHOICE CUSTOMER SERVICES: TEL: 0845 600 4945  customerservices@firstchoice.co.uk TRAVEL SHOPS: retail.feedback@firstchoice.co.uk ABTA CODE OF CONDUCT including compensation information- click here

Heavy winter rains flood the site forming a natural lake, with no    construction visible, the  1st May  2006 opening date looms large.
More photos on the Corfu-Acharavi Forum >>>>>

One of 3  new "all-inclusive" resorts under construction in Greece due to open for the 2006 summer season, namely: Corfu Aqua Beach Club in Almiros / Acharavi Corfu, Kefalonia Aqua Beach Club in Lixouri Kefalonia &  Kos Aqua Beach Club in Tingaki Kos. 

Amazingly in that simple opening phrase I have imparted much of the information that the tour operator for these resorts appears so coy about. "Set along golden sands, this newly built complex" (Corfu) or "This brand new property has a superb beachfront location" (kos) sound like idylic quotes, but the fact of the matter is at this moment (09-01-2006) neither can be described as "newly built" or "Brand new" as neither property has been constructed yet.

Despite these quotes from the official web site & brochures there is much to do, in Corfu construction has not started due to archaeological interest in the site, which apparently was an early burial ground for the local area and of historical significance. Information from local sources also seems to indicate that construction in Corfu is being delayed by some form of legal challenge.

CORFU AQUA BEACH CLUB - DUE TO BE BUILT ON A CEMETERY,  BUT WILL IT KILL TOURISM IN ACHARAVI?

Some people may regard the above statement as dramatic, but many local people are opposed to this development, with environmental concerns and fears that this development will drive tourists and the income they bring from the local village, damaging the local economy.

Even employees of First Choice holidays admit that this development will do nothing for tourism in the local villages and cause significant damage to local buisnesses.  Even the Travel Foundation, a travel related charity supported by First Choice, openly admits that All-Inclusives do nothing to help the local economy and  probably have a negative impact on local businesses.

If all these people can understand the facts, why can't tour operators?
Are the concepts too difficult to grasp, or is it the fact that they are too busy making money to really care about local people and their livelihoods?  Of course good words are printed in annual reports, but where are the good deeds to support them?

In causing this kind of damage to a small community entirely reliant on tourism, the travel industry should hang their heads in shame!

CORFU AQUA BEACH CLUB IS NOT IN ACHARAVI

Despite the website & brochure references the Corfu Aqua Beach Club site is not in Acharavi, but the neighbouring village of Almiros, some 50-60 minutes walk along the beach from the centre of Acharavi.

Many of the people currently booking these resorts are blissfully unaware of the facts and believe that these resorts are completed, running with all "teething troubles" ironed out. As if to complete the illusion the web sites feature photos of happy families playing in the pool / water park areas, so at least these are completed you say, well no these are not built yet either, but where did the photos come from?

Look in the photos section and we will tell all! 

LATEST UPDATES

28-10-2005

First Choice make changes to their website photos - but they are no more accurate!

Somebody has been busy making changes to the photos on the FC website, they have added a copyright statement to the bottom of each photo "  © First Choice Holidays PLC", at the same time removing the First Choice watermark that was on the top left of each photo.

One would have though that whilst this work was going on they might have also added statements to the waterpark photos to indicate that they are not actual photos of the waterparks concerned but are intended to represent what the proposed waterparks may look like.

But unfortunately such changes were not made and many would consider this totally misleading. It would seem that some people consider the copyright issue to be far more important than ensuring that their website was truthful & accurate in it's descriptions of it's holiday destinations.

[On the issue of copyright, we would like to make it clear that this website fully respects the copyright of all parties concerned. Whilst we do show photos which are copyright of both First Choice & Aqualand we have done everything to ensure that we do not infringe the legal rights of either party. We do everything possible to indicate the origin and ownership of all images used.]

08-10-2005

"Don't go into town after 9.30pm, it's not safe"

These are the outrageous claims being made by staff at one all inclusive near Acharavi.  The north of Corfu in general is one of the safest places to visit, with an extremely low crime rate.  So why would they make these comments?  Only they can give the true answer, but maybe they are scared that people might find cheaper branded drinks in the many local bars, or perhaps better & more varied meals in the vast number of local tavernas & restaurants.

Whatever the reason, we can confirm that it does NOT relate to safety.

26-09-2005

SHAMEFUL LIES - Apparently First Choice are responding to customer enquiries regarding negative reports on the internet by claiming that it is probably just sour grapes from builders who didn't get offered work or developers who were outbid for the land.  As we clearly state on the bottom of every page, this website represents the views and concerns of local people - nothing more.  Ultimately, it is up to the customer who they choose to believe, those who know the area and the people well, or those who have probably never set foot in the area but need to make their commission target for this month! >>>>>

19-09-2005

POLL RIGGING - Somebody in Corfu Greece using the connection 213.5.67.168 ppp67-168dynamic.kerkyra.acn.gr has been trying to rig the polls by voting over 70 times.  This merely shows the desperation of some parties when faced with the facts.  We wonder just how closely connected with the construction project they are!  Unfortunately, there are those who do not like free speech or views alternative to their own.  The time spent trying to rig the polls was a total waste, as these votes have been removed.  Doubtless they will be back with new tactics, desperately trying to mislead the public in the process.

18-09-2005

The latest from the Acharavi - Almiros site seem to indicate that no further construction has taken place at this time. There has been a small amount of shallow digging, but we think that this is in connection with the archaeological interest in the site, a former ancient burial ground.

18-08-2005

First Choice admit advertising "misleading"

At least one holidaymaker has been offered a full refund as First Choice admit that their advertising is misleading.

Full Story >>>>>

18-08-2005

Last week's "Package Holiday Undercover" on ITV featured the story of the First Choice resort in Turkey which was due to open in June this year. The
Pegasos Palace Hotel, Sarigerme, Turkey opened with many promised facilities lacking and consequently attracted many complaints from holidaymakers.  Those who stayed during the first week of opening were offered a discount of just 10% for their trouble.

Full story at Package Holiday Undercover website >>>>>

18-08-2005

First Choice revise their webpage text for the Corfu & Kos Club Aqua Resort sites to read " this newly built property will be completed for summer 2006."

This is still very much stretching the truth as the Corfu site is not "newly built" in fact even "under construction" is being generous as no work has been done on this site according to our local contacts.  The photographs are still those taken from the Aqualand waterpark.  As such we would still regard the content of the Club Aqua websites to be highly misleading.  FC have also changed the rating of the resort from 4* to 3*+, this does not inspire confidence that the resort will be fully completed on schedule.