WOMAN ARRESTED AT GRAN CANARIA AIRPORT OVER UNPAID HOTEL BILL

Spanish National Police arrested a woman at Gran Canaria Airport after she attempted to leave the country following an 11-night all-inclusive family holiday where the hotel bill remained unpaid. The woman was detained as she tried to board a flight out of Spain after staff at a resort in San Bartolomé de Tirajana reported that a family of two adults and a child had left without settling their account. One report put the outstanding amount at £2,000, whilst another valued it at £2,125 (2,483 euros). She was subsequently taken to Maspalomas police station for processing and placed at the disposal of judicial authorities.

The resort had booked the stay through its website and obtained a credit card number from the guests as a security deposit. When hotel staff attempted to process payment at the end of the holiday, the transaction could not be completed. Despite making several attempts to contact the customers, no payment was received, according to police. Footage released by Spain's National Police showed the unnamed suspect being arrested at the airport.

The National Police stated it remains committed to protecting the Canary Islands' tourism sector. The force warned visitors that any attempt to avoid paying for goods or services would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The arrest occurs amid reported wider concerns from hospitality businesses about customers departing without paying their bills.