Travel Company Collapse Leaves Thousands in Limbo
A British holiday firm has lost its licence, leaving thousands of travellers in a state of uncertainty. Great Little Escapes LLP, based in Sandhurst, Berkshire, stopped trading as an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) holder on June 13. The company traded under various names, including Your Holidays, Great Little Escapes, Tunisia First, and operated several websites, including www.themaldives.co.uk, www.yourholidays.co.uk, www.thecaribbean.com, and www.greatlittleescapes.co.uk.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed that the company had ceased trading as an ATOL holder, and advised travellers to wait for further information before submitting a claim. "We are currently collating information from the company and will update this page as soon as possible," the CAA stated. "Whilst waiting for further information, please do not submit a claim as these will be rejected."
The CAA also issued guidance for travel agents who are currently holding consumer payments for Great Little Escapes LLP. "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 CAA warned. "Travel agents will be individually contacted by the CAA with specific instructions for these bookings."
The collapse of Great Little Escapes LLP has raised concerns about the protection of travellers who booked holidays with the company. According to the CAA, travellers who purchased a flight and have not received tickets may be ATOL protected if they were given an ATOL Certificate. This scheme, introduced in 1973, is designed to protect holidaymakers in the event of a travel company collapse.
The CAA has the power to prosecute under section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006, with a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. The authority is urging travellers to check if their travel company has ATOL protection before booking a holiday. "It’s essential that travellers check if their travel company holds an ATOL licence," said a spokesperson for the CAA. "If the travel provider was an ATOL holder, you may be ATOL protected if you purchased a flight and have not received tickets and have been given an ATOL Certificate."
As reported by the Lancashire Telegraph, the collapse of Great Little Escapes LLP has left many travellers facing an uncertain future. The company was operating several websites and trading under various names, making it difficult for consumers to determine if their holiday was protected.
In the event of a travel company collapse, ATOL protection can provide vital support to travellers. According to the CAA, if a travel company becomes a failed ATOL holder while a traveller is abroad, they will assist with:
- Assisting travellers to stay in their holiday accommodation, if possible
- Reimbursing travellers for any money spent to replace ATOL protected parts of their trip, such as accommodation, car hire, and transfers
- Arranging flights home, depending on the circumstances
The CAA is urging travellers to check if their travel company holds an ATOL licence before booking a holiday. For more information on ATOL protection and what to do if a travel company collapses, visit the CAA website.
The Lancashire Telegraph has reported that the CAA is working closely with the company to resolve the situation, and will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, travellers are advised to wait for further information before submitting a claim. The CAA’s guidance for travel agents and consumers can be found on their website.
Travellers who have booked holidays with Great Little Escapes LLP are advised to contact the CAA for more information on their options. The authority is working to ensure that travellers receive the support they need in this difficult situation.
As this situation continues to unfold, the Lancashire Telegraph will provide updates on the collapse of Great Little Escapes LLP and the impact on travellers.
