p2 contents Jan22 20/1/10 21:01 Page 2
Government must
get to the bottom
news
of E-Clear affair
DEPLOYING admirable understatement, Youtravel
managing director Graham Nichols this week
described the E-Clear affair as “puzzling”.
His was not the only understated comment.
The High Court judge finally presented with evidence
about E-Clear’s finances called the contents
“extremely interesting”.
Another creditor was said to be “somewhat
this week
alarmed” to learn on the eve of the hearing that
there was very little in E-Clear’s bank accounts.
The whole affair is indeed somewhat alarming. An
airline goes bust, leaving thousands without a holi-
day and wondering if they will get their money back.
The finger of blame points to the airline’s credit
card payment processing company. For several
weeks, administrators press the credit company for
evidence that it holds money due to the collapsed
op
esthr
carrier – and they eventually go to the High Court.
On the eve of the hearing, the court finally sees
John W
some evidence, which shows there is little or no
money held. Other evidence suggests the total debts
Albatross Travel makes a wish
could be more than £100 million. Staff from Albatross Travel in Kent have raised £1,500 for the Make-A-Wish
E-Clear has argued it tried to save companies in Foundation in memory of former colleague Claire Foster who died from a
trouble and has been the victim of bad publicity. This rare blood disease in 2007. From left are: Barbara Sydnes, Sean Taggart and
has cut little ice with Scottish politicians concerned Phobe Wright, all from Albatross, with Stephanie Carter, from Make-A-Wish
about the impact of Globespan’s collapse on jobs,
and they are leading calls for a government inquiry. High Court hearing. Recovery.
Administrators need to do their job first, but when Calls for E-Clear inquiry p4 Cruise sector hopes high p20
the dust settles, it is surely right the government Pressure is growing for a full NCL bosses are hopeful that 2010
finds out how it was allowed to happen. government investigation into will mark the start of a recovery
the collapse of Globespan after in the cruise market, buoyed by
Haiti earthquake E-Clear was revealed to have the launch of its 4,200-passenger
Royal Caribbean was this week forced to defend its debts of up to £100 million mega-ship Norwegian Epic in June
decision to continuing calling at Labadee
beach in the wake of the disaster. Earthquake. Air.
But what would have been gained Industry sends aid to Haiti p5 Air Mauritius daily bid p24
if it had pulled out? Another link with British Airways sends a 747 cargo Former Sandals UK managing
the outside world would have been aircraft to the Dominican Republic director Tony Cowles has joined
cut and the food aid carried by loaded with 100 tons of aid Air Mauritius and aims to return
Independence of the Seas would not the airline to a daily UK service
have been delivered. Protection reform.
The travel industry is always Abta call for DIY shake-up p6 Hotels.
an easy target, but as RCI, Abta is calling for all agents who Doubletree Greece debut p30
airlines and operators have dynamically package holidays to Hilton Worldwide is opening a
shown this week, its links be brought under an extended Doubletree resort on the Greek
with the developing world European Package Directive island of Kos in May this year
mean it is often there to
help in a crisis. US sales. REGULARS.
Fears over $10 visa fee p7 Comment p16
Chris Gray
Tour operators have raised new Cruise p20
News Editor
fears about the prospect of charging Air p24
for the online immigration form Operators p26
to enter the US Hotels & resorts p30
02 22.01.2010
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76