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NEWS ROUND-UP


COMMENT: “We have the best and most experienced experts in the world when it comes to our travel agents” Andy Stark, page 30


Exclusive Escapes ‘will be sorely missed by the trade’


Jennifer Morris


jennifer.morris@ travelweekly.co.uk


Agents expressed their dismay at the demise of Turkey specialist Exclusive Escapes, which blamed the security situation in the country after collapsing last week.


The luxury operator, which also


traded as Hidden Turkey, sold villa and hotel packages. More than 2,000 clients, including 500 abroad, were being assisted by the Atol protection scheme, following the failure. Agent Lee Harrison of Malvern


World Travel spoke for many agents who reacted to the collapse online. “We are so saddened by this news,” he said. “Our clients over the years came


to love their Exclusive Holidays experience, which offered the highest of standards. “It’s a sign of the times. I fear


that there will be others to follow. “Exclusive Escapes will be sorely


missed by the trade and its clients.” The market to Turkey has been


hit by concerns about safety due to its proximity to Syria and


Fone N Fly had 450 customers when it ceased trading


The Civil Aviation Authority reported that online travel agent Fone N Fly had 450 clients when it ceased trading. The company, which operated


the website Fonenfly.co.uk, was based in Ealing, London. It failed on August 18 with 132 customers abroad and 226 forward bookings.


Fone N Fly: Flights specialist The retailer specialised in


cheap worldwide flights, but also offered holidays, hotels, car hire and insurance. It held an Atol.


8 travelweekly.co.uk 3 September 2015 EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES: Had 2,000 customers when it ceased trading


“The two months following the atrocity in Tunisia have had a considerable impact on the market”


involvement in combating Isis. Exclusive Escapes managing


director Andrew Lee said: “Our immediate thoughts and sympathies lie with the many loyal guests, wonderful hoteliers, property owners and suppliers that are affected, in addition to


our unfailingly loyal team both 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 geopolitical situation. This comes on the back of two challenging years of trading. “Despite this, Exclusive Escapes


performed well compared with the general market. But the two months following the atrocity in Tunisia, and then Turkey joining the coalition against Isis, have had a considerable impact, which has


sadly proved unmanageable.” › Talk Back, page 17


Airlines should honour tickets


for 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. “Most people will probably be able to return as normal, but if their ticket has been cancelled, they should rebook at a reasonable cost and challenge the decision to cancel their booking on their return to the UK,” said a CAA spokesman.


NEWS IN BRIEF


Competition regulator to assess holiday-parks merger


The UK competition regulator has been notified of domestic holiday operators Parkdean and Park Resorts’ plans to merge. If given the go-ahead, the group would be the largest holiday- parks operator in the UK.


Carnival UK manager Haynes to leave business


Carnival UK manager Gill Haynes has left the business after 20 years. After roles at Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises, she was appointed head of marketing for the Ocean Village start-up in 2001. Haynes joined Cunard as head of PR in 2011.


Scenic/Emerald recruit sales manager for Midlands


Sister brands Scenic and Emerald Waterways have appointed Dawn Quinn, former Co- operative Travel Trading Group cruise commercial manager, as sales manager for the Midlands.


STA Travel brought into same division as Diethelm


The Swiss owner of STA Travel and Diethelm Travel has brought the firms together under a new umbrella brand, DK Travel Group. Former STA global land product director Lisa Fitzell has been named group managing director for Diethelm Travel.


POLL:


Is the suggestion to give parents one discretionary week a year to take schoolchildren on holiday during term time a good idea?


86% 14%


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