Visitors to Zip World attractions in Wales have been left frustrated and angry after being hit with fines due to new parking fees introduced by the popular adventure company. Many customers have complained about receiving fines of up to £100, with some calling it a “stealth tax” that has marred their special occasions. The fines, initially set at £60 and increasing to £100 if not paid promptly, have caught many visitors off guard, with some claiming that the parking signs were not clearly visible.
One visitor, who had planned to celebrate his 70th birthday at Zip World in Betws-y-Coed and experience the Velocity zip line at Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, ended up with two £100 parking tickets. Expressing his disappointment, he vowed never to patronize the company again, stating, “Was going to North Wales to have another ride but will never use this company again.”
In response to the backlash, Zip World defended the parking fees, explaining that they were necessary to cover rising costs and continue improving their sites and services. Despite claims that parking signs were in place and fees were mentioned in booking confirmations, many visitors remained unaware of the fines, as reported by North Wales Live.
For some visitors, the impact of these fines has been significant, with one woman facing a £100 fine on top of a £40 charge from her car rental company for administrative costs. Another visitor saw their £300 day out balloon to £400 due to a parking fine, branding it an “absolute disgrace.”
Several individuals have shared their experiences of receiving fines, including a fan who got two fines in one day at Penrhyn Quarry and a father who felt his son’s 21st birthday party was ruined due to a parking fine. Efforts to contest the fines have been met with mixed results, with some visitors urging others to boycott Zip World until signage is improved.
Zip World has responded by indicating that they are enhancing parking signage across all their sites and mentioned that they waive fines in cases where signage was lacking. They also launched VIP cards for local residents, offering free parking and discounts, as a gesture to mitigate the situation.
As the complaints continue to pour in, Zip World emphasised its commitment to customer service, stating, “At Zip World, customer experience and satisfaction are our top priorities, and feedback is important to us.” They assured that they are working on improving parking signage and urged affected customers to reach out for resolution.
The introduction of parking charges at Zip World attractions has sparked a wave of discontent among visitors, with many sharing their negative experiences online. As the company strives to address the concerns and improve customer satisfaction, the issue of parking fines continues to be a sore point for many who had hoped for a seamless and enjoyable adventure at the popular Welsh attractions.