A popular hotel among British holidaymakers has been cleared ahead of being filled with migrants.
The ParqueMar and other tourist lodgings are being used to house newly arrived migrants, with the 58-room resort hosting migrants coming from the Canary Islands.
One couple claim they were kicked out of a hotel to make way for migrants, forcing them to rent a private apartment.
Former Ministry of Defence worker Robert Jamison and wife Maxine said their holiday was "ruined" after they were asked to leave their hotel to make room for the new arrivals.
Migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands has increased this year
Reuters
Robert, from Finedon, Northamptonshire, said: “There was no plan for where paying guests could go, no suggestions of other hotels which might have spaces. Nothing. We were just told to leave.”
Booking.com later refunded the couple for the days remaining on their stay. ParqueMar said it liaised with guests at the hotel, which has committed to housing refugees until December 31, when the first of 231 migrants arrived.
Earlier this month, a Guardamar del Segura hotel on the southern Costa Blanca agreed to take in around 230 migrants to help with ease the burden on the Canary Islands.
A spokesman insisted they helped source alternative accommodation for tourists and that some who left said it was through “fear” — despite the migrants being “totally harmless”.
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The Costa Blanca hotel
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Some of those migrants were asked about why they decided to make the journey to the Spanish coast.
Ngalla Ndir, 41, said: "I was a fisherman back home, but the fish stocks have run low. I can’t make a living any more. I want to get a job here in Spain."
Ibrahim Umbye, 16, added: "When I go to Holland, France, Germany or England, I want to be a driver. I left Gambia as there were no jobs. I’m here to help my family.”
Usman Ngia, 17, said: “We were on the waves for five days, surviving on just water and biscuits, with over 100 people on the boat. We were in God’s hands.”
However, some British nationals have expressed their concern for the increased strain on local services.
John Beeston, 60, and wife Lynne, 59, from Ellesmere, Shropshire were in Spain to dog-sit.
Retired maths teacher John said: “This is a small place and 231 extra people will likely be a strain on local medical services.”
The ParqueMar says it charges £32 a day including VAT for each migrant’s bed and full board.
