1. Exclusive Escapes
THE managing director of Turkey specialist Exclusive Escapes has cited ‘two challenging years’ after the company ceased trading with immediate effect. The luxury operator, based in Richmond, Surrey, also traded as Hidden Turkey and sold villa and hotel packages.
More than 2,000 holidaymakers are being assisted by the Air Travel Organizers Licensing (ATOL) protection scheme following the failure.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it was working with hoteliers and airlines to enable 500 Exclusive Escapes customers already abroad to complete their holidays and travel back to the UK as planned.
Exclusive Escapes MD, Andrew Lee, said: ‘Our immediate thoughts and sympathies lie with the many loyal guests, wonderful hoteliers, property owners, and suppliers who are affected, in addition to our loyal team in Turkey and the UK. It’s no secret that 2015 has been one of the toughest years to date for tourism in Turkey, largely due to the country’s geo-political situation. This comes on the back of two challenging years of trading.
‘Exclusive Escapes performed well compared to the general market, but the two months following the atrocity in Tunisia, and then Turkey joining the coalition against ISIS together with ensuing events, have had a considerable impact on the market which have sadly proved unmanageable.’
The company had 1,750 ATOL-protected customers with forward bookings. They will get full refunds.
David Clover, head of crisis management at ATOL, said: ‘The collapse of Exclusive Escapes is a timely reminder of why holidaymakers should make sure their holiday is ATOL protected and that they receive an ATOL certificate as soon as they’ve booked their trips. As a result of the ATOL protection scheme, customers of this business have the peace of mind that they will be able to complete their holidays and return home, or get a full refund. If you are looking for a bargain air holiday at the end of summer sales, it is essential to check to make sure you will get ATOL protection and receive an ATOL certificate before you hand over any money.’
2. Flight-only specialist Fone N Fly
The company, which operated the website fonenfly.co.uk, was based in Ealing, London, and offered flights worldwide. It failed on August 18 with 132 customers abroad and 226 forward bookings, accounting for 450 clients, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.
Airlines should honour tickets for those clients currently overseas, said a CAA spokesman. But the CAA has advised clients overseas to contact their airline before travel to check their return ticket is still valid.
If it has been cancelled by the airline, customers are advised to book a reasonably-priced ticket and apply for a refund on their return via their airline, and if unsuccessful, contact the CAA.
Clients who booked by credit card should contact their card issuers, which will process refunds.
Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
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