BRITISH tourists heading to Spain for a summer holiday could faceissues trying to find a rental car.
Holidaymakers are advised to book far in advance, due to a shortage of available cars in Spain and 58 per cent price increase since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
The shortage of cars is partly due to rental car companies selling off vehicles that weren't needed during the covid-19 pandemic, when the tourism industry came to a halt.
Those companies are now struggling to buy new vehicles due to a semiconductor shortage that has caused car manufacturers to slow production of new cars.
On top of this, Which? Travel are reporting that car rental prices are on the increase all across Europe, with Spain and Portugal being the countries with the biggest price hike.
They found that in 2021 those tourists who booked their August rental in July paid 26% more than early birds booking in May.
Read more travel news
Benidorm booming with Brits as Spain sees highest ever number of tourists
Spain introduces new moneysaving rule that affects holidaying Brits
The added risk last year was that by August many car rental services had completely sold out, with demand expected to be even higher in 2022 with many families taking their first post-covid summer holiday.
It's also worth factoring in that ongoing rises in fuel prices could hit tourists' pockets this summer if opting for a rental car on holiday.
Most read in Travel
STAY GROUNDED 
More than 100 UK flights cancelled today – here is the list of destinations
Spain holiday boost as huge Covid rule dropped TODAY
Thousands of Brit holidaymakers charged £180 for travelling to EU over new rule
European airline gives passengers free gifts that are worth up to £10,000
3Rory Boland from Which? told The Times: "There are certainly external pressures on holiday firms this year that will lead to some increase in costs, and those are acute in areas such as car hire.
"Soaring rental prices could be particularly unwelcome for families already struggling with the cost of living crisis."
Read More on The Sun
Tom Parker’s tearful wife relives moment they met and their best day at funeral
Harry reveals he wants the ‘right people’ around the Queen to ‘protect’ her
On top of this, Which? Travel are reporting that car rental prices are on the increase all across Europe.
They found that in 2021 those tourists who booked their August rental in July paid 26% more than early birds booking in May.
The added risk last year was that by August many car rental services had completely sold out, with demand expected to be even higher in 2022 with many families taking their first post-covid summer holiday.
Source: Read Full Article