Tour operator Barwell Travel has been bought over by Leisurefare in a last minute deal.
Barwell Travel, which is based in Chessington, Surrey, announced it had ceased operating after 30 years on Friday because of the current credit crunch. All 22 staff will now keep their jobs and customers with existing bookings will be able to proceed with their holidays.
Leisurefare managing director Jeremy Scott said the operator was a good investment. “Barwell Travel is a good company with an excellent reputation. We won’t be making any day to day changes but we will be adding to their product range.”
Leisurefare is an upmarket tour operator which operates online agent BAway.co.uk and Leisurefare travel agency in West London. The company has aggressive expansion plans.
“We were formed in 2001 and have gone from zero to a £13m turnover. We will be buying some niche operators as that’s the way forward in this industry,” said Scott.
Meanwhile, Essex based travel agency Mayflower Travel ceased trading on Monday, blaming pressures from the credit crunch.