Sun sets on luxury travel firm as administrators get to work
THOUSANDS of holidaymakers have been affected following the collapse of a Yorkshire-based luxury travel firm.
Huddersfield company Air Parade, which traded as Luxury Villa Escapes and Villa Parade, rented out exclusive villas in the Mediterranean, mainly Majorca and Portugal, and also ran subsidiary company Air Parade, specialising in flights.
A spokesman for O’Haras of Cleckheaton said: “We have been asked to look into the problems which have hit the travel firm and our staff have now started work.
“The firm has 70 clients currently on holiday abroad and their holidays are secure.”
It is understood that there are a further 1,300 people who had booked holidays through the firm and another 400 who had booked flights only with Air Parade.
The spokesman added: “We are now writing to all the creditors of the companies to make them aware of the situation and very shortly we will be able to clarify the full picture to everyone.”
Prior to its collapse, Villa Parade was being investigated by industry watchdog ABTA for alleged breaches of its code of conduct following allegations the firm was offering rentals on properties it could not honour.
ABTA said in a statement: “ABTA can confirm that ABTA member Air Parade, trading as Villa Parade, Car Parade, Golf Parade and Luxury Villa Escapes, has ceased trading due to insolvency. ABTA estimates that the company has up to 70 customers currently abroad. Their holidays should go ahead as normal.
“ABTA estimates that the company has around 1,300 bookings for future holidays with villa accommodation only. Any customers who have booked this type of arrangement directly with Air Parade can get all the information to make a claim by going to our travel clinic and a refund for the villa accommodation will be arranged.”
It also confirmed that around 400 forward bookings for flight-packages will be protected by its ATOL cover.
“In addition there are around 300 forward bookings where Air Parade provided the accommodation via another company. Customers should contact the company they used to book the accommodation and they will be looked after by that company, who will either advise that their holiday can go ahead, arrange an alternative booking, or arrange a refund.”
