Company collapse strands travellers
SENIORS travelling across Australia were left stranded in holiday hotspots yesterday after the sudden collapse of a popular tour operator.
Customers of Victorianbased companies Seniors Coach Tours, Young at Heart Holidays and Australian Air Holidays were told on Monday their trips had been cancelled because the parent company had gone into administration.
Liquidators have been appointed. Over 70 people were thought to be immediately affected by the closure.
But more than 1000 people have made advance bookings with the businesses for the next 12 months, many paying off part or all of their holidays.
And it has emerged that the holiday firms encouraged customers to invest in them, reportedly offering higher interest rates than major banks in return for travel discounts.
Yesterday, one month-long trip across northern Australia was cancelled just four days in.
Those who paid $10,000 each face an anxious wait as potential creditors unless covered by their credit card.
Another group of 26 seniors were left without transport and accommodation in Airlie Beach, days before their coach tour was due to end.
Attempts to contact directors of the holiday businesses proved unsuccessful yesterday.
Glenn Spooner of insolvency firm Cor Cordis said liquidators had been appointed to the parent companies.