STA Travel went bankrupt and 500 workers are expected to lose their jobs after part of a century of industry in Covid-19’s most recent hit on the industry.
The student company announced on its online page on Friday that it had ceased operations and closed all 50 stores, leaving consumers looking for refunds.
The agency, which specializes in packages for backpackers and other young people, employs around 500 people in the UK.
ABTA, which represents tour operators and travel agents, said the news would send a shockwave through the hiking industry, which has already been greatly affected by the coronavirus crisis.
In a statement, STA Travel UK said it had not yet had any option to stop operations with an immediate effect due to the effect of the coronavirus crisis.
Angry consumers turned to social media to complain that they were left looking for refunds after their vacation was cancelled by the closure.
One of them said, “Can you give me any recommendations? STA Travel still owes me thousands of pounds for an expense that we may not be able to complete in early 2020.”
“I won confirmation of a refund in June, but it has still been refunded.”
In news of the coronavirus today:
STA Travel announced that it had collapsed today and will close all 50 points of sale with reimbursement of travelers (archived image)
Today there is more anger amid the STA Travel announcement, as concerned consumers asked when they might be expecting a refund.
It is estimated that 20,000 Britons in Croatia are suffering to return home just a few hours before the new 14-day quarantine regulations take effect at 4am.
The cheapest direct flight from Zagreb to Heathrow today 286 euros with British Airways, while a Croatia Airlines flight between the two airports 496 euros.
The cheapest flight with a replacement that would return before 4 am is 230 euros with Eurowings, via Stuttgart.
There are also KLM flights in Amsterdam, but this would involve quarantine: the Netherlands is already off the air bridge list.
Travel expert Simon Calder told Good Morning Britain that the costs of flights between Croatia and Britain are now skyrocking out as other people struggle to get home.
Calder suggested that other people look for flights with modifications to avoid passing through Paris or Amsterdam, as they will also be quarantined.
Croatia, Austria and Trinidad and Tobago have been added to the “red” list due to the increase in the number of Cases of Covid.
Croatia’s total for seven days, a measure heavily monitored via Downing Street, increased to 27.4, equivalent to 100,000 inhabitants.
Britons arriving in the UK after the 4am deadline will have to spend 14 days under stricter measures than many have found in lockouts, as they are even allowed to faint for exercise or shopping.
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Edited through Associated Newspapers Ltd
Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday and Metro Media Group