Superbreak and LateRooms collapse: Travel firms go into administration putting thousands of bookings at risk

A package holiday firm has collapsed, threatening the breaks of more than 50,000 people.

Malvern Group, which includes the brands Superbreak and LateRooms, has ceased trading with immediate effect. Around 250 employees work for the travel company.

An estimated 400 people are currently on 167 Superbreak bookings in the UK and Europe.

Meanwhile, around 53,000 people are yet to take their holiday.

Superbreak had been trading since 1983, offering mini-breaks in the UK and Europe.

Customers currently on hotel-only breaks have been told that they might have to pay again, and those with future bookings have been told their bookings are cancelled.

Entertainment or attraction tickets, as well as gift vouchers, are no longer valid.

Package holiday bookings will be protected by Abta, the Association of British Travel Agents, said Malvern. Customers with flight-inclusive bookings will be protected by the Civil Aviation Authority’s Atol scheme.

Bookings with LateRooms, which offered discounted accommodation around the world, should be secure, said Malvern Group. The firm acted as an agent between the customer and the hotel provider and no payment has been taken for the booking. Malvern recommends LateRooms customers contact the hotel before travel to confirm.

The owner of Superbreaks and LateRooms said its contact centre was no longer operational and wouldn’t be able to help with customer queries.

Customers should contact Abta or their credit card provider for help, Malvern said.

“The vast majority of holidaymakers’ arrangements will be covered through one of a number of different types of financial protection,” said Abta in a statement.

“The majority of holidaymakers’ package bookings are covered by Abta financial protection, while a significant proportion of other arrangements are covered by other types of protection including Atol and credit card arrangements, depending on the type of booking.

“These customers will either be entitled to a refund, or, if they’ve booked through another travel company, they should contact them to discuss options which may include continuing with their booking, re-booking or alternative arrangements.”