Travel guide slammed for encouraging backpackers to go all-inclusive

PA

An official travel guide, described by the Foreign Office as the 'definitive guide for young travellers' has been criticised for encouraging backpackers to stay in all-inclusive resorts.

The new guide, which is called 'Plan. Pack. Explore.', advises young people to, "consider all-inclusive holidays - set your price in sterling and get meals, drinks and activities in one price."

The Independent reports that the move has been slammed by the charity Tourism Concern, who believe that all-inclusive holidays offer little that benefits either the traveller or the local community.

Travel Concern's executive director, Mark Watson, told The Independent: "The all-inclusive model brings the least benefit to local communities. Host communities tend to resent such tourists because they don't contribute to the local economy. And for young people, part of travel is the cultural exchange - which an all-inclusive holiday inhibits."

The controversial advice appears in the section of the guide which focuses on money management. The guide is designed to help young people and their parents get the most out of their time abroad, while alerting them to common mistakes such as not taking out the correct insurance and what to do if they get into trouble when they are away from home.

Khaliida Cox, from the Know Before You Go team at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), says: "Now that exam results are out and people start considering a gap year, preparation can be daunting for young people and their parents - particularly if it is a trip away without family for the first time."

She continues: "Gap years should be all about having fun, exploring the world and hopefully enhancing your CV but if you are not prepared before you go away, things can go horribly wrong."

A Foreign Office spokesman told The Independent: "The advice in 'managing money' is meant to encourage people to think about which type of holiday would best fit their budget. The guide does not endorse all-inclusive holidays, or any other type of holiday - it encourages people to consider all the options."

The FCO is encouraging everyone planning a gap year to pick up a copy of the guide to help them avoid preventable problems overseas. It is available in print, online and as an app.

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