Pontins, a popular holiday park operator in the UK, has issued a formal apology to the Irish Traveller community for decades of discrimination. The public apology is an acknowledgement of the prejudice faced by the gypsy and Traveller communities at its UK resorts.
Following an enquiry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in Britain, it was discovered that between 2013 and 2018, the holiday park chain had implemented numerous measures to prevent Irish Travellers from staying at its parks. Throughout these years, Pontins created a list of 40 individuals labelled as potential troublemakers. Alongside this, a list of predominantly Irish surnames was generated to be scrutinised if anyone of them attempted a reservation.
In February 2024, the EHRC issued an unlawful act notice to Pontins upon the completion of an investigation. The commission uncovered further discrimination as it was revealed that the company had recorded a list of suspect Irish surnames such as Cash, Connors, McDonagh, McGinley, McGuinness, McMahon, O’Brien, O’Connell, and Stokes.
The commission also found that if any of these surnames appeared in an online booking, they were cross-checked with the address details provided by the customer to determine if they resided on a Traveller site or caravan park. Moreover, Pontins had implemented a policy requiring guests to be on the electoral register, a move that was perceived as unfairly targeting Travellers and Gypsies, who are less likely to be listed.
According to a former employee, discriminatory practices were cleverly disguised under the pretence of full accommodations. Online bookings and third-party bookings were immediately cancelled, and customers were marked as unwelcome in the booking system.
In one instance in 2017, an Irish Traveller was denied a booking due to supposed lack of availability. However, when a friend from a settled community inquired, there was availability.
An informant inside Pontins was instructed to be alert for a “strong Irish accent”.
Back in November 2017, a holiday for an Irish Traveller and his settled companion was abruptly cancelled by Pontins, just eight days after they made the booking. There was no explanation provided for this action.
Pontins acknowledged in their statement that their strategy of discriminating against Irish Travellers was decidedly inappropriate. They agreed with the gravity of the grievances highlighted in the report and lamented deeply over any distress caused, especially to members of the gypsy and traveller communities who have been directly impacted.
Assuring their dedication to abide by the Equality Act 2010, Pontins stated that they’re co-operating with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to enforce a strict policy against all types of discrimination in order to cultivate an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all their customers.
With the issues brought up by the EHRC acknowledged and addressed, Pontins has laid out and agreed to a one-year action plan that will be under the supervision of the EHRC to ensure continuous adherence to the Equality Act 2010. The EHRC is set to oversee the execution of this action plan.