Finca bookings fall through: serious allegations against German intermediary in Mallorca

When the holiday suddenly doesn't happen

It sounds like a nightmare you only know from friends: weeks before departure an email with the cancellation lands in the inbox, the deposit remains an unresolved sum — and no one answers the phone. This is how numerous guests who booked holiday accommodation on Mallorca and Ibiza via German booking platforms are reporting at the moment.

Affected in Santanyí, Campos and Pollença

In Santanyí a family expected the keys to a finca at the beginning of August – instead they received a message from the owner that the money had never arrived. "We had flights and a rental car, in total more than ten thousand euros," says Emma R. on the phone, who does not want her name printed. Such stories repeat: a booking in Campos, one in Pollença, months earlier another in Santa Ponça, where a note hangs on a closed branch and the telephone number leads nowhere.

What employees and landlords say

Former employees report chaotic procedures, missing wage payments and doubts about management. "I couldn't sleep at night," says an employee who is currently absent for health reasons. She states she saw internal documents that could prove withheld deposits and outstanding payments. Several Mallorcan owners confirm to our editorial team that payments arrived late or not at all.

Legal steps and investigations

Some affected parties have filed complaints; among others a criminal complaint was lodged with the police in Germany. The Munich public prosecutor's office said that in a previous case proceedings were initially discontinued because there was not enough evidence. Nevertheless customers report similar incidents, which is why uncertainty is high.

Important: Anyone who booked in advance in the past 18 months should collect all payment receipts and, if in doubt, seek legal advice. Several affected travel agencies in Germany also face financial burdens if advance payments were not forwarded.

What happens now

The person apparently responsible announced that he would comment; however, no personal statement was made within the set deadline. On site some partners ended the cooperation, others distanced themselves in writing. Customers should be cautious: check IBANs, get confirmations directly from the owner and save messages. A tip from local practice: call the owner a few days after payment — don't rely solely on the intermediary.

The matter remains unresolved. For many holidaymakers the summer is ruined, for some hosts income is unclear. And for the remaining employees the feeling of having witnessed something terrible is still fresh. I will continue to follow up and ask further questions — in Palma, Santanyí and at the courts in Munich.