Members of the travel trade have expressed their shock and sadness and offered support following the news that Online Travel Trading had ceased trading and appointed insolvency specialists.
In an automated email reply, the company confirmed on Tuesday: “It is with deep regret that OTT has ceased trading. McTear Williams and Wood are being appointed to wind up the company.”
OTT worked with scores of firms in the sector, including airlines, tourist boards, tourist attractions, hotels and tour operators, providing bespoke training courses, virtual events, webinars, incentives and rewards for staff in the industry.
Writing on Travel Weekly’s Facebook page, Lindsay Garvey-Jones, national retail manager for Holiday Extras, said: “This truly is sad news. OTT have been part of this industry and supported many agents in skills and knowledge to help them sell for a very long time.
“They’ve also been a strategic partner of Team Holiday Extras in the past and have helped us to share our toolkits with so many people. If we can support you in any way, please let us know.”
Olly Nicholls, chief executive of Attraction World Group, added: “Given the existing gaps in learning and development support within our industry, the loss of OTT’s resources is truly unfortunate. I would earnestly welcome any discussions about potential avenues to assist OTT in exiting administration.”
Speaking at the Travel Convention in Bodrum, Jennifer Lynch, general manager of ArrangeMy Escape, said: “I was really sad when I heard the news because we’ve used OTT frequently over the past eight months after opening a new store.
“I had no clue this was going to happen and it’s a real disappointment. It’s left a real gap in the market and I hope there will be someone stepping in to fill the gap.”
Tricia Handley-Hughes, UK director of InteleTravel, added: “My initial reaction was surprise, which quickly turned into sadness. I really feel for those in the OTT team who have worked so hard to serve our agents. They did such a brilliant job.
“Our agents will be really sad as well, as they worked closely with OTT. I wish everyone associated with OTT well and hope our paths cross in the future.”
Shona Thorne, director of Thorne Travel, said on Facebook: “So sad, such great trying a valuable resource and such a shame for all the staff.”
Graeme Brett, director of Westoe Travel added: “Loved their courses and encouraged all of my colleagues to complete their courses.”
And Cherie Richards, head of business development at Hays Travel said: “Really sad to read this. Sending love to Julia and the team.”
In June this year Kenny Smith returned as head of training and commercial at OTT with a pledge to bridge the current skills gap in the sector by offering specialist courses targeting areas such as sales, marketing, customer service, legal and finance.
Following Smith’s appointment OTT had announced plans to undergo a transformation of the business to offer a one-stop shop for all aspects of professional development in the travel industry.
In October the firm teamed up with global rewards platform My Booking Rewards (MBR) via a single interface to streamline the e-learning and rewards process for agents.
Only a few days ago the company issued a newsletter announcing plans to showcase new trade websites at World Travel Market this month.