Booked a holiday with Goldtrail holidays, what to do now.

Goldtrail holidays collapse leaving thousands of British holidaymakers stranded in Greece and Turkey.

Goldtrail holidays, a specialist tour operator to Greece and Turkey had its ATOL license revoked and ceased trading on the 16th July. Tens of thousands of holidaymakers still yet to enjoy their Greece or Turkey holidays are affected just at the the start of the summer holidays. This is the biggest holiday firm collapse so far this year.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has taken steps to protect customers booked with Goldtrail Travel Limited after the company ceased trading this evening.

Goldtrail Travel Ltd, trading as Goldtrail Holidays, Goldtrail Travel and Sunmar, held ATOL licence 4684 and was based in New Malden, Surrey. It operated flights and holiday packages from many UK airports to Turkey and Greece. It sold mainly through travel agents.

The CAA, under its ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licensing) scheme, is making arrangements for customers abroad to travel home at the end of their holidays.

The CAA is currently issuing the following advice to customers:

Customers due to travel
There are no more outbound Goldtrail flights. If you were due to travel on a Goldtrail flight you should check with your travel organiser before you go to your departure airport as your flight tickets will not be valid.

Customers currently abroad on holiday
The CAA will be making arrangements to ensure customers of Goldtrail can fly home at the end of their holiday. The majority of flights from Turkey are expected to operate as planned. There may be some changes to flights from Greece and information will be provided by local representatives at the airports involved. Further updates will be provided as soon as it is available. Goldtrail customers abroad seeking general information can call the CAA on 0044 203 4410846.

" I had a booked a holiday with Goldtrail Holidays. What happens now? "

Any customers who have booked a package holiday are protected under the ATOL scheme and should visit the Civil Aviation Authority (“CAA”) ATOL website (www.atol.org.uk) for further information or alternatively call 0844 856 2585.

"I am currently abroad. Can I continue my holiday?"

For those customers who had booked a holiday you should be able to continue to stay in your hotel or villa and complete your holiday. In the majority of cases, your accommodation provider will be paid directly by the CAA so you should not incur any additional expense. In the event that you do have to incur additional expenses as a result of the Administration, please retain receipts where possible as the CAA will be able to consider claims for refunds in respect of these amounts.

"How do I arrange to fly home?"

The CAA will arrange a flight to bring you home. You should check the ATOL website (www.ATOL.org.uk) for more information. The CAA also have a helpline (+44 (0) 2034410846) for those customers in particular distress. All passengers who booked through a travel agent should contact that agent in the first instance. If you booked direct with the company please contact ATOL directly.

"Can I make my own arrangements to get back to the UK?"

Those customers wishing to make their own arrangements for return travel should note that the CAA is not in a position to cover the costs of independent travel. If you do wish to make independent arrangements, please ensure you retain your receipts. If you paid by credit card, you may be protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If you paid by Visa debit card you may also have some protection. Please check with your card issuer for further advice.