Drunken and loutish holidaymakers have sent Britain's reputation abroad plunging to new depths.A shocking Foreign Office report reveals a huge rise in the number of arrests of Britons overseas.Figures covering 15 holiday destinations show there were 4,603 arrests last year, up 15.6 per cent.There were 4,603 arrests of Britons at 15 holiday destinations last year (file photo)
Arrests of UK citizens in Spain - by far the biggest problem country - have gone up by a third. In France, they have rocketed by 42 per cent in one year.The report makes clear the devastating impact of alcohol. It says: 'Many arrests are due to behaviour caused by excessive drinking.
'Be aware that travel insurance may not cover you if you have an accident whilst under the influence of alcohol.'The report, British Behaviour Abroad, highlights the perils of excessive drinking by women on holiday that could leave them more vulnerable to rape.
It urges women to cover up, wear 'appropriate dress' and behave in line with local customs noting: 'Alcohol is the most frequently used drug in drug-assisted rape.'
The highest number of reported rapes was in Spain, with 29, followed by Greece (28) and Turkey (21)
Scenes of drunken behaviour have become an all-too-common feature in holiday destinations.On the Greek island of Crete, police trying to clean up the reputation of popular resorts such as Malia have warned British tourists that they face arrest if their drinking looks as if it could get them into trouble.Zakynthos, too, has been blighted by alcohol-fuelled violence. Many blame the thousands of young British visitors, attracted by cheap drunks and raucous night life.Heavy drinking and loutish behaviour by rowdy British tourists has become so bad in the island's biggest resort of Laganas that the mayor has raised the matter with the British ambassador to Greece.
Mayor Dionisis Komiotis has condemned inappropriate behaviour in his town and wants to see families returning to the resort.He said: 'We don't want the young people to walk out naked to cause problems and damage.'We don't want them to annoy the rest of the guests and tourists and, of course, put their own lives in danger.
'We want the young people to enjoy themselves and go back home healthy and happy.'