The travel industry in Castilla y León is embroiled in controversy following the recent management and allocation changes to the Club de los 60 program, which offers discounted travel experiences for seniors aged 60 and older. Local travel agencies, particularly those based in León, are expressing concerns about how the new system disproportionately favors agencies from Valladolid, leaving many without access to these lucrative trip offerings.
At the heart of the issue is the implementation of stringent criteria set forth by the Junta de Castilla y León, which operates the Club de los 60. According to Jerónimo Fernández, president of the travel agencies sector at Fele, “The system applied by the Junta here is different from those used by other regions.” This shift toward a more competitive bidding process has sparked frustrations across León, where local travel agencies are struggling to keep pace with the new demands.
Under the new system, only agencies winning public competitions are allowed to sell travel packages under the Club de los 60 umbrella. This alteration has been detrimental for many smaller operators, as they are now excluded from participating. Fernández notes, “The requirements are excessive for small and medium-sized enterprises,” with reports indicating businesses face steep guarantees of around half a million euros to compete. Consequently, it is no surprise to see León’s operators feeling marginalized within their own communities.
The consequences of this exclusion are severe. A staggering 97% of travel agencies within Castilla y León have been shut out from offering packages to seniors, leading to what the Federation of Travel Agencies of Castilla y León (FECLAV) describes as economic harm. They estimate the total loss of potential revenue from these trips amounts to approximately 30 million euros, severely impacting the livelihoods of agencies dedicated to serving older travelers.
Adding to the controversy are the complaints from users of the Club de los 60 program, who have reported numerous service issues including itinerary changes, low-quality accommodations, and poor overall travel experiences. Some travelers noted delays exceeding 24 hours for flights, raising questions about the service quality offered under the new management structure.
Political entities such as UPL and Conceyu Pais Llionés are voicing their concerns, emphasizing the lack of transparency surrounding the allocation process. A UPL representative indicated during discussions held at the regional assembly, “The allocation of trips has been done opaquely, benefiting agencies from Valladolid at the expense of others.” Out of 30 offered trips this year, it has been alleged 29 have been assigned to agencies within Valladolid, leaving only one for León's travel agencies.
These developments have cemented the call for revision of the current selection criteria by the Junta. Many argue for guidelines more equitable, allowing for fair participation from businesses of all sizes, irrespective of geographic location. León agencies are adamant about the need for systemic change to maintain not just their operations but the authenticity and diversity of travel offerings for seniors throughout the region.
This growing tension highlights the broader issues within the tourism sector, including the impact of monopoly dynamics on local businesses as well as on the quality of experiences afforded to travelers. The drive for efficiency and competitive advantage should not come at the cost of inclusivity and the richness of local tourism opportunities.
Going forward, stakeholders are hopeful for opportunities to open lines of communication between the Junta and local travel agencies. A collaborative approach could contribute to the evolution of the Club de los 60, ensuring it remains beneficial for all parties involved.
The need of the hour is for local governments to recognize the significance of balancing competition with collaboration, as the health of the tourism sector directly impacts local economies. This commitment to inclusivity would not only support the businesses but also enrich the experiences offered to travelers seeking authentic connections with the vibrant culture and heritage of Castilla y León.