One week of bookings cancelled with potential for more as administrators search for buyers
Essex coach operator Crusader Holidays and its associated companies Crusader Commercial Properties Limited, Crusader Holdings Limited, Staines Crusader Coaches Limited and Supreme Holidays Limited, have called in administrators Ernst and Young on December 1.
Crusader Holidays was estimated to be running no more than eight coaches when administrators were called, in a fleet which used to number at least 20 vehicles. Based in Clacton on Sea, it employs 34 staff.
The firm is not expected to run tours until further notice while the administrators search for potential buyers, although tours after December 6 have not been officially cancelled.
A statement from joint administrators Maurice Moses and Angela Swarbrick said as of the time of their appointment, there were no tours were running, so no coach tour or holidaymakers were left stranded.
“Owing to the difficult economic conditions in which the companies have been trading and the related financial situation of the companies, the Joint Administrators have decided the tours for the following week were to be cancelled.
“Passengers booked on tours departing December 2, 2011 and December 6, 2011 have been informed of the tours cancellation.
“At present, no further tours have been cancelled. The Joint Administrators are presently looking at opportunities for selling the business and assets of the Companies as a going concern, which may enable the continuity of tours departing after December 6, 2011.”
John Major, a spokesman for the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, said customers who have already paid for a package holiday will get a full refund, as the firm was part of the Bonded Coach Holidays Scheme, set up to protect clients’ money.
“While appreciating the disappointment and upheaval these situations cause to people looking forward to their holidays, it does highlight the benefits of customers ensuring the package holiday they book is with a company which is the member of the Bonded Holiday Scheme,” Mr Major said.
Passengers with holidays booked should see a full refund and a claims form from Earnst and Young, although customers using some credit cards will have to claim under the Consumer Credit Act through their credit card provider, subject to a minimum amount.
