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Wales Online
17-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Holidays chaos fears as UK travel firm collapses - what you need to know
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info UK holiday firm Great Little Escapes, identifiable under various guises such as Our Holidays, Great Little Escapes, and Tunisia First, has ceased trading, sparking chaos for many travellers. British tourists' travel plans have been thrown into disarray after Great Little Escapes was struck off the ATOL scheme and stopped trading. The company, based in Berkshire, boasted of offering the 'best cheap breaks in the UK,' with a particular focus on city escapes, whereas Your Holidays catered to a wide array of trips including hen and stag do's, LGBT getaways, and tailored packages. Stay in the loop with what's happening across Wales by subscribing to our newsletter right here. Industry news outlet TTG has revealed that the travel operator reported a loss close to £77,000 last year and had a deficit accumulating to £186,000 in 2023. British legislation mandates that all holiday companies selling trips and flights must be covered by an ATOL licence, providing financial safeguards to their clientele. This protection plan ensures that should a travel business fold, customers are entitled to complete their holiday or receive full reimbursement, reports Wales Online. In the wake of the company's collapse, ATOL (Air Travel Licensing Scheme) stated that it was "currently collating information from the company" and would provide advice as soon as possible. It advised people who might have been affected not to submit claims yet, as they would be rejected. But hundreds of summer holidays are now at risk and people are scrambling for answers. The authority also provided clear instructions for associated travel agents, stating: "If you are a travel agent of Great Little Escapes LLP and you are currently holding consumer payments which you have not yet paid to Great Little Escapes LLP, you must not use these funds to refund consumers until you have received instructions from the Air Travel Trust." This latest travel agent flop is bound to rattle the nerves of bargain-hunting holidaymakers who'd rather save on the booking so they can splash the cash on cocktails and souvenirs on their hols. What to do if your holiday company goes bankrupt So, what do you do if your holiday company goes bankrupt? What are your rights, and can you recover your money? Finding out your holiday company has gone bust can be a nightmare for travellers looking to jet off for a much-needed break. Luckily, there are several laws and regulations in place to help you get your money back if things go wrong. The first call should be to your travel agent, if you booked through one, to ensure your booking is still in place. (Image: Getty) All businesses that provide services in the EU must comply with consumer protection rules. The European Consumer Centres Network states: "If you book a holiday, rental car, accommodation or a flight in the EU, Norway or Iceland and encounter any issues, your consumer rights are there to protect you. If your flight is cancelled, your baggage is lost, your cruise doesn't go smoothly, or you miss your train connection, EU legislation will ensure you obtain redress." In the UK, travel companies that provide packages, including a flight, and sell them to customers must protect your money through the ATOL scheme. As the Post Office notes, this means that if you booked your overseas holiday with an ATOL member and it goes bust before you travel, you can apply to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a full refund. If you're already on holiday when the company goes bankrupt, the CAA will arrange for you to return home. ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents, also provides financial protection for UK consumers who book holidays through ABTA members. This protection ensures that consumers receive refunds or assistance if their travel company goes out of business. Package holidays and agency booking can also offer travellers extra reassurance and customer service. "Booking through a professional agent gives you the peace of mind that you are protected in the event of any changes to your travel," said Sarah Davies, a travel advisor from Life Begins with Travel. "Even if just to have someone on the end of the phone to guide you through the process." Davies explained that many online travel companies weren't members of ABTA, though, so it was important to ensure you choose a company with both ABTA and ATOL protection "so you don't end up out of pocket and that you're well looked after." (Image: K) Look for the ATOL logo when booking, and you should receive an ATOL certificate immediately after booking. You can also check a company's ATOL status on the CAA website. If you can't reach the travel company, contact your airline and accommodation provider directly to confirm your booking and check that they've received your payment. If everything checks out, you should be all set to go on your hols. However, if the booking doesn't exist or you can't get through to those companies, possibly because they've gone out of business, check your paperwork to determine whether you've ABTA or ATOL protection. Making a claim The Civil Aviation Authority notes that the refund process is quite straightforward. ATOL-protected consumers complete an ATOL Claim Form, and it then requests the documentation from the ATOL holder issued to the customer. They will request evidence of payment to the ATOL holder or overseas supplier, depending on your claim type. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox In some cases where you've paid by credit card, they may direct you to contact your card issuer for a refund. For more details, visit their website. How to make a claim Check your ATOL certificate or invoice to confirm that the trip was ATOL-protected and lists the ATOL holder. Visit the CAA ATOL Claims Portal to submit your case as the Lead Passenger You'll need to provide an ATOL certificate/reference, booking and payment details, receipts for any extra costs The CAA then processes the claim and may seek reimbursement through a credit card provider (Section 75), in some cases. Will Travel insurance cover me? Travel insurance doesn't usually cover you if your holiday company goes bust - but some policies do include cover for things like "end supplier failure" or "scheduled airline failure." It's definitely worth having a quick look at the fine print to see if you're protected. Do I have Credit card protection? If you haven't got travel insurance in place at the point when your holiday company goes bust, you may be able to claim back your money through your credit card company. To be eligible, you need to have paid more than £100 for your holiday or flights and booked directly with the holiday company or airline. Next steps Do not apply for CAA claims before they publish details about a failed ATOL holder apply for CAA claims before they publish details about a failed ATOL holder If you're overseas, the CAA will inform you of the repatriation plan. of the repatriation plan. Upon failure, the CAA list is updated; find it on the ATOL portal . Gather all documents: receipts, bookings, and communications; this will support your claim At a glance: If a travel company with an ATOL goes bust: You'll get a refund if you haven't travelled yet. If you're already abroad, ATOL ensures you're not stranded and helps bring you home. It applies to package holidays and some flight-only deals sold by UK companies. If something goes wrong: First, go to the travel company. If unresolved, and it's financial or related to collapse, go to ATOL via the CAA. For complaints not involving insolvency (e.g. poor service), escalate to an ombudsman or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body. Find out what's happening near you
Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Warning issued to Brits affected by collapsed travel firm as chaos fears ramp up
Travel company Great Little Escapes has been removed from the ATOL scheme and ceased trading, leaving Brits with holidays booked through the firm in chaos UK-based travel agency Great Little Escapes, also operating as Our Holidays and Tunisia First, has abruptly ceased trading, casting uncertainty for many travellers. British holidaymakers are faced with turmoil as bookings fall through following Great Little Escapes being stripped of its ATOL scheme membership and halting its operations. The Berkshire-based firm touted itself as a provider of the 'best cheap breaks in the UK', focusing on city breaks, while Your Holidays boasted a varied offering, including deals for hen and stag dos, LGBT getaways and bespoke packages. Falling into financial difficulty, the company's latest figures reveal a near £77,000 loss last year and a hefty £186,000 deficit reported for 2023, says TTG, the travel industry's news outlet. In the UK, it's mandatory for any business selling holidays and flights to possess an ATOL (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing), providing a safety net for consumers' finances. The ATOL protection ensures that customers can either continue their planned trip or claim a full refund if a travel operator collapses, reports Wales Online. Following the company's sudden downfall, ATOL stated they are "currently collating information from the company" and will issue guidance promptly. Those potentially impacted have been instructed not to submit claims yet, with warnings that premature attempts will be turned down. But now hundreds of summer breaks are in jeopardy and holidaymakers are desperate for clarity. The authority also issued explicit guidance for associated travel agents, noting: "If you are a travel agent of Great Little Escapes LLP and you are currently holding consumer payments which you have not yet paid to Great Little Escapes LLP, you must not use these funds to refund consumers until you have received instructions from the Air Travel Trust." The collapse of this latest travel agency is sure to unsettle those thrifty holiday-seekers keen on saving on their bookings to have more spending money for beachside cocktails and souvenirs during their getaway. What to do if your holiday company goes bankrupt So, what's the next step if your travel firm goes under? What rights do you have, and how can you reclaim your hard-earned cash? Discovering that your holiday provider has folded is every traveller's worst fear, especially when you're yearning for that essential escape. Thankfully, various laws and regulations exist to aid you in getting a refund should things take a turn for the worse. Your first port of call should be to touch base with your travel agent if you arranged your trip through them, to confirm your booking is still valid. All providers offering services within the EU are bound by consumer protection legislation. According to the European Consumer Centres Network: "If you book a holiday, rental car, accommodation or a flight in the EU, Norway or Iceland and run into problems, rest assured that consumer rights are in place to support you. "If your flight is cancelled, your baggage is lost, your cruise doesn't go smoothly, or you miss your train connection, EU legislation will ensure you obtain redress." In the UK, travel companies that provide packages, including a flight, and sell them to customers must protect your money through the ATOL scheme. As the Post Office notes, this means that if you booked your overseas holiday with an ATOL member and it goes bust before you travel, you can apply to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a full refund. If you're already on holiday when the company goes bankrupt, the CAA will arrange for you to return home. ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents, also provides financial protection for UK consumers who book holidays through ABTA members. This protection ensures that consumers receive refunds or assistance if their travel company goes out of business. Package holidays and agency booking can also offer travellers extra reassurance and customer service. "Booking through a professional agent gives you the peace of mind that you are protected in the event of any changes to your travel," said Sarah Davies, a travel advisor from Life Begins with Travel. "Even if just to have someone on the end of the phone to guide you through the process." Davies explained that many online travel companies weren't members of ABTA, though, so it was important to ensure you choose a company with both ABTA and ATOL protection "so you don't end up out of pocket and that you're well looked after." Look for the ATOL logo when booking, and you should receive an ATOL certificate immediately after booking. You can also check a company's ATOL status on the CAA website. If you can't reach the travel company, contact your airline and accommodation provider directly to confirm your booking and check that they've received your payment. If everything checks out, you should be all set to go on your hols. However, if the booking doesn't exist or you can't get through to those companies, possibly because they've gone out of business, check your paperwork to determine whether you've ABTA or ATOL protection. Making a claim The Civil Aviation Authority notes that the refund process is quite straightforward. ATOL-protected consumers complete an ATOL Claim Form, and it then requests the documentation from the ATOL holder issued to the customer. They will request evidence of payment to the ATOL holder or overseas supplier, depending on your claim type. In some cases where you've paid by credit card, they may direct you to contact your card issuer for a refund. For more details, visit their website. How to make a claim Check your ATOL certificate or invoice to confirm that the trip was ATOL-protected and lists the ATOL holder. Visit the CAA ATOL Claims Portal to submit your case as the Lead Passenger You'll need to provide an ATOL certificate/reference, booking and payment details, receipts for any extra costs The CAA then processes the claim and may seek reimbursement through a credit card provider (Section 75), in some cases. Will Travel insurance cover me? Travel insurance doesn't usually cover you if your holiday company goes bust — but some policies do include cover for things like 'end supplier failure' or 'scheduled airline failure.' It's definitely worth having a quick look at the fine print to see if you're protected. Do I have Credit card protection? If you haven't got travel insurance in place at the point when your holiday company goes bust, you may be able to claim back your money through your credit card company. To be eligible, you need to have paid more than £100 for your holiday or flights and booked directly with the holiday company or airline. Next steps Do not apply for CAA claims before they publish details about a failed ATOL holder If you're overseas, the CAA will inform you of the repatriation plan. Upon failure, the CAA list is updated; find it on the ATOL portal . Gather all documents: receipts, bookings, and communications; this will support your claim At a glance: If a travel company with an ATOL goes bust: You'll get a refund if you haven't travelled yet. If you're already abroad, ATOL ensures you're not stranded and helps bring you home. It applies to package holidays and some flight-only deals sold by UK companies. If something goes wrong: First, go to the travel company. If unresolved, and it's financial or related to collapse, go to ATOL via the CAA. For complaints not involving insolvency (e.g. poor service), escalate to an ombudsman or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body.
North Wales Live
17-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Holidays chaos fears as UK travel firm collapses - what you need to know
UK holiday firm Great Little Escapes, identifiable under various guises such as Our Holidays, Great Little Escapes, and Tunisia First, has ceased trading, sparking chaos for many travellers. British tourists' travel plans have been thrown into disarray after Great Little Escapes was struck off the ATOL scheme and stopped trading. The company, based in Berkshire, boasted of offering the 'best cheap breaks in the UK,' with a particular focus on city escapes, whereas Your Holidays catered to a wide array of trips including hen and stag do's, LGBT getaways, and tailored packages. Stay in the loop with what's happening across Wales by subscribing to our newsletter right here. Industry news outlet TTG has revealed that the travel operator reported a loss close to £77,000 last year and had a deficit accumulating to £186,000 in 2023. British legislation mandates that all holiday companies selling trips and flights must be covered by an ATOL licence, providing financial safeguards to their clientele. This protection plan ensures that should a travel business fold, customers are entitled to complete their holiday or receive full reimbursement, reports Wales Online. In the wake of the company's collapse, ATOL (Air Travel Licensing Scheme) stated that it was "currently collating information from the company" and would provide advice as soon as possible. It advised people who might have been affected not to submit claims yet, as they would be rejected. But hundreds of summer holidays are now at risk and people are scrambling for answers. The authority also provided clear instructions for associated travel agents, stating: "If you are a travel agent of Great Little Escapes LLP and you are currently holding consumer payments which you have not yet paid to Great Little Escapes LLP, you must not use these funds to refund consumers until you have received instructions from the Air Travel Trust." This latest travel agent flop is bound to rattle the nerves of bargain-hunting holidaymakers who'd rather save on the booking so they can splash the cash on cocktails and souvenirs on their hols. What to do if your holiday company goes bankrupt So, what do you do if your holiday company goes bankrupt? What are your rights, and can you recover your money? Finding out your holiday company has gone bust can be a nightmare for travellers looking to jet off for a much-needed break. Luckily, there are several laws and regulations in place to help you get your money back if things go wrong. The first call should be to your travel agent, if you booked through one, to ensure your booking is still in place. All businesses that provide services in the EU must comply with consumer protection rules. The European Consumer Centres Network states: "If you book a holiday, rental car, accommodation or a flight in the EU, Norway or Iceland and encounter any issues, your consumer rights are there to protect you. If your flight is cancelled, your baggage is lost, your cruise doesn't go smoothly, or you miss your train connection, EU legislation will ensure you obtain redress." In the UK, travel companies that provide packages, including a flight, and sell them to customers must protect your money through the ATOL scheme. As the Post Office notes, this means that if you booked your overseas holiday with an ATOL member and it goes bust before you travel, you can apply to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a full refund. If you're already on holiday when the company goes bankrupt, the CAA will arrange for you to return home. ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents, also provides financial protection for UK consumers who book holidays through ABTA members. This protection ensures that consumers receive refunds or assistance if their travel company goes out of business. Package holidays and agency booking can also offer travellers extra reassurance and customer service. "Booking through a professional agent gives you the peace of mind that you are protected in the event of any changes to your travel," said Sarah Davies, a travel advisor from Life Begins with Travel. "Even if just to have someone on the end of the phone to guide you through the process." Davies explained that many online travel companies weren't members of ABTA, though, so it was important to ensure you choose a company with both ABTA and ATOL protection "so you don't end up out of pocket and that you're well looked after." Look for the ATOL logo when booking, and you should receive an ATOL certificate immediately after booking. You can also check a company's ATOL status on the CAA website. If you can't reach the travel company, contact your airline and accommodation provider directly to confirm your booking and check that they've received your payment. If everything checks out, you should be all set to go on your hols. However, if the booking doesn't exist or you can't get through to those companies, possibly because they've gone out of business, check your paperwork to determine whether you've ABTA or ATOL protection. Making a claim The Civil Aviation Authority notes that the refund process is quite straightforward. ATOL-protected consumers complete an ATOL Claim Form, and it then requests the documentation from the ATOL holder issued to the customer. They will request evidence of payment to the ATOL holder or overseas supplier, depending on your claim type. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox In some cases where you've paid by credit card, they may direct you to contact your card issuer for a refund. For more details, visit their website. How to make a claim Check your ATOL certificate or invoice to confirm that the trip was ATOL-protected and lists the ATOL holder. Visit the CAA ATOL Claims Portal to submit your case as the Lead Passenger You'll need to provide an ATOL certificate/reference, booking and payment details, receipts for any extra costs The CAA then processes the claim and may seek reimbursement through a credit card provider (Section 75), in some cases. Will Travel insurance cover me? Travel insurance doesn't usually cover you if your holiday company goes bust - but some policies do include cover for things like "end supplier failure" or "scheduled airline failure." It's definitely worth having a quick look at the fine print to see if you're protected. Do I have Credit card protection? If you haven't got travel insurance in place at the point when your holiday company goes bust, you may be able to claim back your money through your credit card company. To be eligible, you need to have paid more than £100 for your holiday or flights and booked directly with the holiday company or airline. Next steps Do not apply for CAA claims before they publish details about a failed ATOL holder If you're overseas, the CAA will inform you of the repatriation plan. Upon failure, the CAA list is updated; find it on the ATOL portal . Gather all documents: receipts, bookings, and communications; this will support your claim At a glance: If a travel company with an ATOL goes bust: You'll get a refund if you haven't travelled yet. If you're already abroad, ATOL ensures you're not stranded and helps bring you home. It applies to package holidays and some flight-only deals sold by UK companies. If something goes wrong: First, go to the travel company. If unresolved, and it's financial or related to collapse, go to ATOL via the CAA. For complaints not involving insolvency (e.g. poor service), escalate to an ombudsman or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body. Find out what's happening near you
Wales Online
17-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Holidays chaos fear as travel firm collapses - how to get your money back
Holidays chaos fear as travel firm collapses - how to get your money back British holidaymakers with trips booked with Great Little Escapes saw their plans fall through after the company was removed from the ATOL scheme and ceased trading A UK travel company has collapsed - leaving many people's holiday plans in doubt (Image: PA ) UK-based Great Little Escapes, which operated under various names, including Our Holidays, Great Little Escapes, and Tunisia First, has ceased trading, causing chaos for travellers. British holidaymakers with trips booked with Great Little Escapes will have seen their plans fall through after the company was removed from the ATOL scheme and ceased trading. The Berkshire-based travel agency claimed to offer the 'best cheap breaks in the UK' and specialised in city breaks, while Your Holidays has a diverse portfolio, ranging from hen and stag parties to LGBT holidays and niche packages. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here TTG, the travel industry news website, has reported that the company's latest financials show it lost nearly £77,000 last year and recorded a deficit of £186,000 in 2023. Under UK law, all travel companies selling holidays and flights must hold an ATOL, which provides financial protection for consumers. The scheme ensures that if a travel company goes out of business, customers can either continue their holiday or receive a full refund. In the wake of the company's collapse, ATOL (Air Travel Licensing Scheme) stated that it was "currently collating information from the company" and would provide advice as soon as possible. Article continues below It advised people who might have been affected not to submit claims yet, as they would be rejected. But hundreds of summer holidays are now at risk and people are scrambling for answers. The authority also provided clear instructions for associated travel agents, stating: 'If you are a travel agent of Great Little Escapes LLP and you are currently holding consumer payments which you have not yet paid to Great Little Escapes LLP, you must not use these funds to refund consumers until you have received instructions from the Air Travel Trust." This latest travel agent flop is bound to rattle the nerves of bargain-hunting holidaymakers who'd rather save on the booking so they can splash the cash on cocktails and souvenirs on their hols. What to do if your holiday company goes bankrupt Finding out your holiday company has gone bust can be a nightmare for travellers looking to jet off for a much-needed break (Image: Getty ) So, what do you do if your holiday company goes bankrupt? What are your rights, and can you recover your money? Finding out your holiday company has gone bust can be a nightmare for travellers looking to jet off for a much-needed break. Luckily, there are several laws and regulations in place to help you get your money back if things go wrong. The first call should be to your travel agent, if you booked through one, to ensure your booking is still in place. All businesses that provide services in the EU must comply with consumer protection rules. The European Consumer Centres Network states: 'If you book a holiday, rental car, accommodation or a flight in the EU, Norway or Iceland and encounter any issues, your consumer rights are there to protect you. If your flight is cancelled, your baggage is lost, your cruise doesn't go smoothly, or you miss your train connection, EU legislation will ensure you obtain redress.' In the UK, travel companies that provide packages, including a flight, and sell them to customers must protect your money through the ATOL scheme. As the Post Office notes, this means that if you booked your overseas holiday with an ATOL member and it goes bust before you travel, you can apply to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a full refund. If you're already on holiday when the company goes bankrupt, the CAA will arrange for you to return home. ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents, also provides financial protection for UK consumers who book holidays through ABTA members. This protection ensures that consumers receive refunds or assistance if their travel company goes out of business. Package holidays and agency booking can also offer travellers extra reassurance and customer service. "Booking through a professional agent gives you the peace of mind that you are protected in the event of any changes to your travel," said Sarah Davies, a travel advisor from Life Begins with Travel. "Even if just to have someone on the end of the phone to guide you through the process." Davies explained that many online travel companies weren't members of ABTA, though, so it was important to ensure you choose a company with both ABTA and ATOL protection "so you don't end up out of pocket and that you're well looked after." Look for the ATOL logo when booking, and you should receive an ATOL certificate immediately after booking. You can also check a company's ATOL status on the CAA website. If you can't reach the travel company, contact your airline and accommodation provider directly to confirm your booking and check that they've received your payment. If everything checks out, you should be all set to go on your hols. However, if the booking doesn't exist or you can't get through to those companies, possibly because they've gone out of business, check your paperwork to determine whether you've ABTA or ATOL protection. Making a claim Check your ATOL certificate or invoice to confirm that the trip was ATOL-protected (Image: K) The Civil Aviation Authority notes that the refund process is quite straightforward. ATOL-protected consumers complete an ATOL Claim Form, and it then requests the documentation from the ATOL holder issued to the customer. They will request evidence of payment to the ATOL holder or overseas supplier, depending on your claim type. In some cases where you've paid by credit card, they may direct you to contact your card issuer for a refund. For more details, visit their website. How to make a claim Check your ATOL certificate or invoice to confirm that the trip was ATOL-protected and lists the ATOL holder. Visit the CAA ATOL Claims Portal to submit your case as the Lead Passenger You'll need to provide an ATOL certificate/reference, booking and payment details, receipts for any extra costs The CAA then processes the claim and may seek reimbursement through a credit card provider (Section 75), in some cases. Will Travel insurance cover me? Travel insurance doesn't usually cover you if your holiday company goes bust — but some policies do include cover for things like 'end supplier failure' or 'scheduled airline failure.' It's definitely worth having a quick look at the fine print to see if you're protected. Do I have Credit card protection? If you haven't got travel insurance in place at the point when your holiday company goes bust, you may be able to claim back your money through your credit card company. To be eligible, you need to have paid more than £100 for your holiday or flights and booked directly with the holiday company or airline. Next steps Do not apply for CAA claims before they publish details about a failed ATOL holder apply for CAA claims before they publish details about a failed ATOL holder If you're overseas, the CAA will inform you of the repatriation plan. of the repatriation plan. Upon failure, the CAA list is updated; find it on the ATOL portal . Gather all documents: receipts, bookings, and communications; this will support your claim At a glance: If a travel company with an ATOL goes bust: You'll get a refund if you haven't travelled yet. If you're already abroad, ATOL ensures you're not stranded and helps bring you home. It applies to package holidays and some flight-only deals sold by UK companies. If something goes wrong: Article continues below First, go to the travel company. If unresolved, and it's financial or related to collapse, go to ATOL via the CAA. For complaints not involving insolvency (e.g. poor service), escalate to an ombudsman or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body.
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Travel firm collapses leaving Brits fuming 'go cheap, pay twice' with many holidays ruined
Great Little Escapes has lost its ATOL licence, meaning some holidaymakers could be left out of pocket A leading UK travel firm has collapsed after losing a vital accreditation, causing widespread concern among holidaymakers facing cancellations. Customers disgruntled by the loss of another affordable travel option expressed disdain, suggesting that opting for budget can lead to paying more in the end, remarking: "Go cheap, pay twice." Great Little Escapes, a Berkshire-based agency offering a range of holiday options from "adventure holidays to relaxing spa holidays, beach holidays to city breaks, adults-only to fun-filled family resorts", found itself stripped of its ATOL protection. It's important to note that this company is not connected to the similarly titled Great Little Breaks and shares no link with them. The tried-and-tested guidance for holiday bookings is to use credit cards to protect your money should the underlying business collapse. Despite this, over 100 UK travellers might be left empty-handed as they risk their booked foreign vacations being scrapped after Great Little Escapes lost its ATOL accreditation. Expressing sympathy yet a sense of inevitability, one upset customer mentioned: "Feel sorry for those who will lose their holidays, but then again, they clearly took their chances to get a cheap deal." They continued: "Not ATOL protected and if they didn't pay by credit card, then no way to get the money back." Following the company's slide into insolvency, the relevant authorities are now advising prospective customers to delay lodging any claims while further details of Great Little Escapes' operations are investigated. The authority has issued explicit guidance for travel agents linked with Great Little Escapes LLP, stating, "If you are a travel agent of Great Little Escapes LLP and you are currently holding consumer payments which you have not yet paid to Great Little Escapes LLP, you must not use these funds to refund consumers until you have received instructions from the Air Travel Trust. "Travel agents will be individually contacted by the CAA with specific instructions for these bookings." The sudden downfall of yet another travel firm is likely to shake the confidence of holidaymakers hunting for bargain getaways. Echoing this sentiment, one netizen recommended caution, suggesting some travellers may be "Better off booking with the big travel agents. More expensive, but.." This grim announcement arrives hot on the heels of another distressing revelation just a month prior when a different UK travel enterprise faced its demise, impacting countless travellers' vacation plans. Jetline Travel, a London-based entity founded in 2000 and also known as Jetline Cruise's parent company, ceased its operations as an ATOL holder the previous month. TTG reported the business has now gone into administration. Alan Clark of Carter Clark financial recovery specialists and Neil Bennett from the insolvency experts at Leonard Curtis were appointed administrators on 28 March. Administration is a procedure that transpires when a company can no longer fulfil its debt commitments, resulting in the appointment of a licensed insolvency practitioner. This expert will either reorganise the business and negotiate with creditors, or liquidate assets, settle debts and dissolve the business. In its 25 years of service, Jetline Travel has facilitated holidays for hundreds of thousands of travellers. Over this quarter-century, the firm also operated under various other monikers including Bargain Late Holidays, Best Priced Holidays, Cruise and More, Elegant Getaways, Our Best Holidays and Save on Sun.
