Readers reassured on holidays
Express & Star readers who have booked holidays with failed Travelscope Holidays were today reassured that they will get a full refund.
Express & Star readers who have booked holidays with failed Travelscope Holidays were today reassured that they will get a full refund.
Seven trips scheduled to take place over the next fortnight through our Star Readers scheme, part of the Express & Star group, have been cancelled as a result of the collapse.
They are the Rhineland New Year trip as well as New Year trips to London, Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, the German Valleys, and the Black Forest.
All were due to depart on December 30.
A representative from the Express & Star/Shropshire Star - Star Readers, or the administrators will be in touch with customers to discuss future bookings, including those made for 2008.
Express & Star Circulation Director Arthur Couchman said: "The Express & Star, Shropshire Star and Star Readers would like to sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers."
More information is available from Star Readers 01902 319999. Lines will be open during office hours over the Christmas period on December 24, 27, 28, and 31. Normal service will be resumed on January 2.
After yesterday's announcement, a spokesman for Abta said: "We represent over 1,500 travel businesses of which 25-30 tend to go out of business each year.
"Fortunately as this company is covered by our policy."
Administrators Menzies Corporate Restructuring said: "The most recent annual turnover for the business was £80 million and it employs 270 staff who are predominantly based at the company's Gloucester offices.
"The company has been experiencing recent cashflow difficulties and whilst it endeavours to seek options for refinancing, it has been placed into administration in order to best protect the company's customers and creditors.
"All customers who have pre-booked holidays through Travelscope Holidays Ltd will be entitled to full refunds through the company's relationships with Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) and ABTA."
Customers already on a Travelscope Holiday will be covered by ATOL protection and will be able to return home as originally planned.
They include some 460 passengers who currently on the cruise ship MV Van Gogh, which is due to arrive at Falmouth on January 4.
A Travelscope hotline has been set up on 0844 412 9644. Alternatively, visit www.travelscope.co.uk or e-mail travelscope@menzies.co.uk
Click Star Readers Statement to view the full statement.
