Latest news
SMITH HEART ATTACK
Lunn Poly managing director Ian Smith has suffered a mild heart attack while on holiday in Florida. It is believed he was out of hospital as Travel Weekly went to press.
HALF-TERM DEBATES
ABTA is writing to all members outlining the regulations governing the amount of time children can take off school during term time. The move follows meetings between the association and education ministers who fear a rising tide of school absenteeism is partly down to families taking cheap off-peak breaks.
CHARGES WITHDRAWN
Hundreds of small investors who were unable to buy Thomson shares because their application forms were late arriving have withdrawn their complaint after the group’s share price tumbled. A spokeswoman for the City watchdog Security and Futures Authority said only 41 of 1,000 complaints are still outstanding.
IN TOUCH COLLAPSE
Spanish islands specialist In Touch Holidays ceased trading before Christmas with 100 people either overseas or holding future bookings. All those abroad at the time were able to complete their holidays as planned but those booked from December 28 were offered refunds.
REGAL IN COUNTY BID
Regal Hotel Group has made an offer to buy the 25-strong County Hotels Group chain for an estimated £120m.
STRATA TRAVEL FAILS
Business travel agent Strata Travel in Ware, Herts has failed leaving its four staff without jobs.