Tourist guide in Egypt tells Escalation after FTI bankruptcy - "Guests fight with staff"

Thousands of travelers are stranded following the bankruptcy of tour operator FTI. There are fights and threats.

Following the insolvency of travel provider FTI, chaos reigns in popular vacation destinations. Hotels are suddenly demanding additional payments from guests who have already paid for their trips.

In the Egyptian resort of Hurghada, the situation escalated at the beginning of June. Tourists who tried to leave without paying extra were detained by hotel staff, which led to violence.

"It was madness, hundreds ran out of the hotels in hysterics. Some panicked and fought with the staff," Sigrun Brabenetz, who runs a local tourist office, told "20 Minuten". She criticized the behaviour of the hotel managers, some of whom threatened guests.

"Throwing us out"

Brabenetz emphasizes that food was provided despite the chaotic conditions. "Some claimed that the hotel had refused them food and drink in the heat, but that wasn't true, there was always something available," she says.

Brabenetz, who as a Swiss woman helped on site by offering translations and organizing emergency accommodation, is concerned about the reputation of tourism in the region. The situation is not yet under control and many desperate holidaymakers from Switzerland still need support.

Numerous Germans are also stuck on site and are currently unable to return home. "We've been told that we have to pay all the money again immediately," says a young woman. "Otherwise they'll kick us out of the hotel."

When exactly the tourists will be brought home is still completely unclear in some cases.