More than 50,000 holidaymakers are thought to be impacted by the collapse of travel booking sites LateRooms.com and York and Manchester-based Super Break – with hundreds of jobs lost, too.
The owner of both booking sites, Malvern Group, ceased trading as of 1 August.
In a statement, it said: “It is the company’s intention to appoint an administrator to deal with the affairs of the business tomorrow.”
The announcement has left many people unsure what to do next. Where does it leave those who have booked holidays through the sites – or are away right now?
Advice For Late Rooms Customers:
LateRooms.com acted as an agent on behalf of accommodation providers, which means people’s bookings should, theoretically, still go ahead as planned.
“We anticipate that your reservation is secure and your payment will be taken by the accommodation supplier either in advance (for non-refundable reservations) or at the property,” it said in a statement.
That said, it’s recommended people contact their accommodation provider directly before travelling just to make sure everything is in place. You can find their contact details on your booking confirmation.
To amend or cancel your booking, you will need to contact the accommodation supplier directly, as the LateRooms contact centre is no longer open.
Advice For Super Break Customers:
Super Break was a travel company based in York and Manchester, with around 250 employees, specialising in city breaks both in the UK and overseas. It’s thought that roughly 400 Super Break customers are currently on holiday.
People who made their booking with a travel agent or partner should contact them first, as Super Break’s contact centre is no longer in operation.
Malvern Group said people currently on a hotel-only break may be asked to pay again. “Please ensure you keep your receipt,” it said, recommending that where people have paid by credit or debit card, they should contact their bank/credit card provider regarding refunds. If you have personal travel insurance, it’s worth contacting them for support.
Package bookings, excluding flight-inclusive breaks, are financially protected by travel body ABTA. Flight-inclusive breaks should be covered by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – if there are any issues with travel, contact the respective body.
ABTA said it will help customers navigate the process of continuing with holiday arrangements. The vast majority of holidaymakers’ arrangements should be covered through one of a number of different types of financial protection, it said. Some might be protected by ATOL or credit card arrangements, depending on the type of booking.
Which? Travel’s Naomi Leach said: “Anyone who booked a package holiday through Super Break will be protected by ATOL or ABTA depending on the mode of transport they booked. Holidaymakers covered by these schemes will be brought home free of charge.
“Customers who have already paid and booked for an upcoming holiday with the collapsed travel operator should also be entitled to a refund as part of these schemes.”
If you are experiencing difficulties in resort and require assistance, you can contact ABTA on 020 3117 0553. For those yet to travel, ABTA said it will help to recover money or rebook people’s travel arrangements.
If you purchased or were given a gift voucher, it will no longer work. Similarly, any entertainment or attraction tickets will be cancelled. People who have paid for tickets are advised to contact their bank or credit card provider to determine what to do next.