The boss of a Lanarkshire agency has made the “truly heart-breaking decision” to close as the pandemic takes its toll on the travel sector.
ABR Travel Services in Newmains will shut at the end of August after seven years of trading, with bookings being passed onto Barrhead Travel.
Owned by Liz Ross, the agency is a Managed Service Travel Partner (MSTP) with Brilliant Travel, a division of Barrhead Travel. The only other remaining member of staff is manager Chloe Stark.
Ross told Travel Weekly she has had an “emotional week” dealing with the closure of the agency and handing bookings onto Barrhead.
She said it had been a “terrible time” since the coronavirus crisis started but now is the right moment to close.
The agency had re-opened in early July but the impact of quarantine measures being imposed for holidaymakers from Spain was the final straw.
The agency’s Facebook page said: “It has been a very eventful seven years at ABR Travel.
“Newmains and our amazing team have managed to dig deep and get us through some pretty difficult and very stressful times.
“The time has come where we can no longer sustain the further losses that Covid-19 has brought in recent times.”
The agency thanked its “amazing staff and customers”, suppliers and the support of Barrhead Travel.
“It’s a truly heart-breaking decision for us after coming through the worst time ever,” said Ross.
Customers have rallied round with gifts, messages of support and encouraging comments on Facebook.
“Thank you for all the gifts handed into the shop which are very much appreciated. It has been amazing journey serving the local people and contributing to the local community of Newmains and surrounding areas,” said Ross on Facebook.
Linda Pyle, director of Brilliant Travel, said: “Our team here at Brilliant Travel are very sad to see the closure of ABR Travel who have really been an integral part of the Newmains community over the last seven years. They have been our friends and colleagues for many years and we are doing all we can to support the full team.
“Closing the agency was a difficult decision for Liz and we wish her and the team the very best of luck as they embark on new ventures. Customers from ABR Travel will be looked after by Barrhead Travel and all existing holidays remain fully financially protected.”
Ross and Stark have not yet decided what they plan to do next and will take some time off to relax and consider their options.
