Hotels across Europe are in a frenzy as they grapple with the aftermath of promoting Prince Harry’s autobiography, “Spare.”
Over 100 copies of the book have been left abandoned in various resorts, leaving tour operators scrambling to offload them.
According to Zoe Harris, the chief customer officer of an online tour operator, the situation is unprecedented, with copies of the Duke of Sussex’s book cropping up in hotels in Spain, Turkey, and Greece.
Britons on holiday have been discarding “Spare” by the poolside, in their rooms, and even on shelves at hotel reception areas.
The tour operator, On the Beach, is now faced with the challenge of finding ways to dispose of the surplus books, as libraries and local bookstores are unwilling to accept them.
Lost property offices and popular resorts are overflowing with copies of the book, leading to a plea from Harris for hotels to cease sending them back.
Adding to the absurdity of the situation, some of Prince Harry’s hotelier friends disclosed that the prince had enlisted their help in distributing the books at their establishments.
However, the marketing strategy backfired, resulting in a surplus of unsold copies.
The hotel owners are now left grappling with the dilemma of what to do with the unwanted books, as guests show little interest in them.
Prince Harry’s autobiography stirred controversy with sensational claims, including allegations of a physical altercation with his brother, Prince William, and accusations of disrespect towards Meghan Markle.
The fallout from these revelations has left many of Harry’s friends in the UK disillusioned with his behavior post-England departure, feeling betrayed by his lack of loyalty.
In an attempt to rid themselves of the unwanted copies, the holiday company plans to distribute them online, though the likelihood of finding takers remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, entrepreneur Howard Spooner, a friend of royalty and owner of the George Hotel Yarmouth, has taken over the establishment.
Spooner, known for his ventures in the nightlife scene, including clubs in various locations, now aims to revamp the hotel with unique entertainment offerings.
As the saga of Prince Harry’s ill-fated autobiography continues to unfold, the hospitality industry finds itself entangled in a predicament of unwanted books and shattered expectations.
The failed marketing efforts and subsequent backlash serve as a cautionary tale for those who dare to venture into the world of literary promotion without careful consideration.
The legacy of “Spare” lingers on, a reminder of the perils of overzealous marketing and the importance of aligning one’s strategies with the interests of the audience.