Company’s collapse leaves travellers stranded HOLIDAYS HELL
SENIORS travelling across Australia were left stranded in holiday hot spots, including Airlie Beach, yesterday after the sudden collapse of a tour operator.
Customers of Victorian- based companies Seniors Coach Tours, Young at Heart Holidays and Australian Air Holidays were told on Monday that 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 at least one of the firms encouraged customers to invest, 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 creditors, unless covered by credit card insurance.
Another group of 26 seniors were left without transport and accommodation in Airlie Beach, days before their coach tour was due to end.
One of them said yesterday: “On Monday afternoon the driver made an announcement about the closure and basically told us we were on our own. I was disgusted that we were being left to fend for ourselves. We would have been on our own if our motel hadn’t agreed to let us stay in their rooms.
“They’re already not getting paid by the company so I can’t thank them enough for helping us out till we get back to Melbourne on Thursday.
“I travel with Seniors Coach Tours regularly, and they often ask you to invest in the company, going guarantor for a 5 per cent return. Anyone who has done that would be quite worried right now.”
Dorothy Harris booked her 25- day tour of the Kimberleys a year in advance, but yesterday was told the tour was over on just the fourth day.
“The employees who had to tell us were quite surprised and thought the company was planning a rebranding with new logos, uniforms and everything else,” she said.
“We were told the managing director was out of town or overseas and couldn’t be contacted, and that they would arrange flights to get us home.
“We paid $ 10,000 so we’re hoping we can somehow get that back.”
Attempts to contact directors of the holiday businesses proved unsuccessful yesterday.
Glenn Spooner of insolvency firm Cor Cordis said liquidators had been appointed.
“We have been in contact with travel providers to ensure customers’ safe and comfortable passage back to their city of origin,” he said.