Center Parcs has announced a change to its refund policy for spa and activity bookings, effective from October. Customers must now cancel at least seven days in advance to receive a full refund, rather than the previous 12-hour window. Cancellations made within seven days will incur a 50% fee.
Customer backlash
The move has angered many customers. One person commented on social media: "I find this really unfair. We will wait until we arrive to book any activities." Another said: "That's terrible. The effect will be that we book significantly less activities, if any at all." A third posted: "How disappointing and incredibly unfair for a venue that already charges excessively."
Center Parcs response
A spokesperson for Center Parcs said: “We have made some changes to our activity and Aqua Sana Forest Spa cancellation policy, for guests staying at Center Parcs from Monday 12 October 2026 onwards. Guests can now amend or cancel these bookings up to seven days before the scheduled start time and receive a full refund. Cancellations made within seven days will incur a 50% cancellation fee. The updated policy gives guests a clear cancellation deadline before their break, while helping to reduce late cancellations and unused spaces, particularly for popular activities and Aqua Sana Forest Spa experiences.”
New Scotland resort
Center Parcs is set to open its first resort in Scotland in summer 2029, creating 1,200 jobs. The site is expected to boost tourism to the area by 38%, generating £87 million a year for the Scottish economy. First Minister John Swinney said: “Economic growth must reach the people and places that need it most. Investing in the south of Scotland through this project is a direct expression of our belief that every part of Scotland deserves to benefit from a growing economy. Investing here is a deliberate statement that we are serious about reducing regional inequality and creating genuine opportunity for young people – 30% of these 1,200 jobs are targeted at 16 to 24-year-olds.”
