Small adventure travel specialist Kumuka has ceased trading and is due to appoint administrators within days.
It is understood the small Surrey-based operator, which was licensed to carry 500 passengers in 2012, was hit by tough trading conditions. It was sold through independent travel agents and direct and stopped taking bookings on Monday this week. An administrator is due to be appointed at the end of this week.
The company was set up in 1983 and offered more than 600 tours from two days to 35 weeks in duration, covering 75 countries, including Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and north and south America.
Intrepid Travel has set up a hotline for travel agents and holidaymakers looking for alternative travel options in the wake of the company’s failure and is offering a 20% discount on equivalent tours to clients travelling before September 18 and 15% off for those travelling between September 19 and December 31. The hotline number is 01373-828314 or email help@intrepidtravel.com. The offer is subject to availability.
Intrepid’s managing director Geoff Manchester said: “It is sad to see the collapse of a company that we have long respected as a collaborator in building the adventure travel sector.We understand that this is a distressing time for Kumuka staff and our thoughts are with them.”
Other tour operators have also stepped in to offer deals for Kumaka customers. Tucan Travel is extending a 5% loyalty discount usually reserved for its own repeat customers to Kumaka clients, along with a 25% off group tours promotion.
G Adventures is extending a price match on comparable trips to travel agents who have clients booked on Kumaka trips. Managing director Michael Edwards added: “We are sorry to hear the news about one of our respected industry peers.”
No-one at Kumuka was available for comment.