Harassing tourists

I wish to express my concern over harassment shown to us (and others) while staying in Bugibba.

While walking to Qawra we were approached by a young lady and her cousin - she was purporting to be an ex-JMC rep, and we were given the impression that, should we care to have a look at a superior hotel for future holidays, she would escort us to the hotel in Qawra to show us their accommodation.

We agreed to this, and were given a 'scratch card', only to be informed that I had won a star prize! The only drawback was that we would have to stay for a minimum of one hour while someone else explained the set-up prior to viewing.

After nearly two hours (bearing in mind this was the first morning of our first visit to Malta) we realised this was a holiday club, and not 'tourist information' as was suggested - we were not prepared to listen to the 'sell' any more. Eventually we were passed over to another representative and we said that we were not prepared to commit to anything, especially when no viewing materialised. We were then given short shrift, and were pleased to leave.

My star prize turned out to be a free holiday, the details of which I find hard to believe. I understand there is an administration fee of £49, plus flights, but after being 'conned', my feelings are extremely suspicious.

The point of this letter is to make other holidaymakers aware of unscrupulous and unwanted attention from these, fellow British people. We were approached twice more in Bugibba and twice in Sliema. Isn't it about time that these people were registered, wore identification badges, and stated who they were at the outset and what they were trying to sell?

I am enclosing the names given to us.