Home / Lifestyle / TUI's Lapland Trips: A $5,800 Arctic Deception?
TUI's Lapland Trips: A $5,800 Arctic Deception?
14 Dec
Summary
- Families paid thousands for Lapland but were sent hundreds of miles away.
- Tourists reported being misled by TUI's advertising for 'Lapland' holidays.
- The travel giant offered alternative trips to 'Arctic Lakeland, Lapland'.
Tourists have expressed outrage over TUI's advertised 'Lapland' holidays, which have allegedly mis-sold trips to a region significantly south of the actual Arctic Circle. Families who booked expecting a magical Christmas experience in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Father Christmas, found themselves hundreds of miles away in 'Arctic Lakeland, Lapland'. This region is reportedly known more for its tar industry than festive cheer, with some visitors describing it as full of 'plastic touristy fake stuff'.
Numerous complaints have surfaced on social media, with customers detailing their disappointment and feelings of being deceived. One traveler claimed they paid $5,800 for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Lapland, only to be housed in a hotel that TUI itself admitted was not in Lapland proper. When seeking to be relocated to the correct region, the customer was allegedly quoted an additional $5,000, exacerbating their distress.
TUI has responded to some complaints by explaining that 'Arctic Lakeland' is a beautiful area south of Finnish Lapland, offering similar winter activities. However, customers remain unsatisfied, arguing that the advertising was misleading, especially when bookings confirmed holidays to 'Lapland' and 'Santa's hometown'. The controversy raises questions about transparency in holiday package descriptions and customer expectations.
