Super Break and Late Rooms: how holiday firms’ collapse will affect travellers

The collapse of holiday firms Late Rooms and Super Break this week will affect more than 50,000 travellers, according to reports.

Between them, the two companies had around 20,000 current bookings, with most customers yet to begin their trips, says The Guardian.

Malvern Group, which owned the two firms, says that approximately 400 Super Break customers are currently on holiday, in the UK or overseas.

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Travel trade body Abta, of which York-based Super Break was a member, said: “The majority of customers are yet to travel and in most cases they should be able to obtain a refund, either through Abta or another financial protection scheme, depending on the type of booking.

“The vast majority of holidaymakers’ arrangements will be covered.”

Meanwhile, booking website Late Rooms, which was not an Abta member, said that it had not taken money for bookings from customers, who instead paid the accommodation supplier direct.

“LateRooms.com acted as an agent on behalf of your accommodation supplier, therefore we anticipate that your reservation is secure,” the company told customers.

“We recommend, however, that you contact your accommodation supplier directly prior to travelling to confirm.”

Abta also suggests that booked rail, coach or Eurostar tickets might still be valid for travel, the BBC reports. Rail company LNER said it would honour all existing tickets.

The news comes during a torrid summer for the travel industry. Earlier this week, British Airways lost an appeal to block its pilots from striking, meaning a mass walkout could take place as early as this month.

Such industrial action during the holiday season could disrupt thousands of families’ getaway plans.

Thomas Cook is also enduring a difficult time. The travel agent, which came close to collapse eight years ago, is again on the brink of disaster, with analysts saying rescue packages may not be enough to save it this time around.