Tour operator Diamond Shortbreak Holidays has gone bust, cancelling trips for thousands of holidaymakers.
Around 16,000 holidaymakers have had their holidays cancelled due to the short break tour operator going bust. Diamond Shortbreak Holidays Ltd ceased trading on Thursday due to financial difficulties, travel trade organisation Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) have said.
The Leicestershire-based tour operator sold holidays to destinations around the UK and other European locations, although it is believed that none of its customers are currently abroad.
The company also sold holidays under the name of The River Line Cruise.
Around 16,000 holidaymakers who had booked non-flight-based package holidays, such as coach or rail trips, are financially protected through ABTA. These kind of holidays formed the majority of the company’s business.
A smaller number of customers with flight-based trips are protected through the Civil Aviation Authority’s Atol scheme and should contact the CAA for a refund.
Those who booked through a travel agent will need to speak to them directly about a refund.
Customers may also be able to get a refund from their credit card lender or debit card provider, depending on how they paid for the trip.
A spokesperson from ABTA said: “This is clearly going to be very worrying for the thousands of holidaymakers who have booked with the company.
“Everyone booked on packages will get a refund on the money they have paid, in some cases this may be through their bank or credit card company and we will give them a letter, which will make any claim straightforward.
“Customers who need more help can contact our claims team on 0203 758 8743.
“A small number of customers with flight based holidays will be protected through the ATOL scheme and should contact the CAA.”
The firm has been offering holidays in the UK and Europe for 19 years. It employed 552 staff in the UK and a further 26 overseas.
Rival firms – including Saga, Cosmos Tours and Emerald Waterways – have all offered affected customers a discount on future bookings.
