US specialist operator TrekAmerica has ceased operations as part of a restructure of parent company Travelopia’s Adventure Division which will see up to 25% of head office roles made redundant.
The UK arm of the company’s Adventure Division includes the Exodus Travels, Headwater and TrekAmerica brands, and operates from headquarters in Surbiton and Northwich. The consultation is understood to affect around 30 roles.
In a statement on social media, the operator said it had been forced to make the “incredibly difficult decision” as a result of ongoing uncertainty from the Covid-19 crisis. US-based sister brand and DMC American Adventures has also closed as a result of the changes.
TrekAmerica said it would offer full refunds or an alternative trip with sister companies Exodus Travels or Exodus Edits.
In December last year, Travelopia announced it would be integrating TrekAmerica into Exodus Travels following an internal restructure.
Sister brand Grand American Adventures was absorbed into Exodus as a sub-brand, but TrekAmerica continued to operate as a standalone brand.
Sam Seward, managing director, said: “We are living in very challenging times, with the global pandemic affecting everyone in a profound way. We have seen our business move from record-breaking revenue figures in January to the worst year in our 46-year history.
“It has been a horrible time for the entire team, who have worked tirelessly to put our customers’ safety and happiness first.”
He added: “We have already implemented a range of measures to protect jobs as far as possible, however, due to the severity of the impact of the pandemic on our ability to operate our trips, as well as a significant reduction in forward bookings, it is with deep regret that we must take steps to reduce the size of our team.
“Closing the TrekAmerica brand after nearly 50 years of fabulous USA adventure has been a difficult decision. Falling demand for destination USA and rising costs had already weakened passenger volumes significantly prior to the pandemic and our need to now focus on our core brands is pivotal.”
Seward said: “We have a robust recovery plan for the year ahead, but for a values-driven company like ours that lays its foundations in happiness, ambition and acting responsibly, it is incredibly difficult to accept that a number of our hard-working, talented team will be leaving us.
“I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to my team for their dedication and professionalism throughout what has been an immensely challenging set of circumstances. Their loyalty, passion and skills will make them an asset to any employer in any sector, though we hope to be in a position to re-employ our people as and when the market recovers.”
A statement on its website said: “For almost 50 years, we’ve been honoured to be part of your incredible travel stories. Even though we’re driving off into the sunset, we hope the friends and memories our Trek community have made will live on in our Trekkers for many more years to come.”
The social media statement added: “To everyone who’s ever jumped in a van with us, worked with us, and everyone we’ve simply met along the way, we love you. Thank you.”