CAA confirms failure of Strand Travel

Bristol-based specialist travel firm Strand Travel has collapsed.

The company traded under the names Strand Voyages, Wildoceans and Wildwings and websites www.Strandtravel.co.uk and www.wildwings.co.uk.

It had been agent for coastal passenger voyages on Trinity House ship Patricia.

The company previously phased out freighter voyage operations after 26 years.

The Civil Aviation Authority said Strand Travel had held an Atol until September 30 last year.

“We understand that Strand Travel sold a small number of Atol protected flights,” the CAA said.

“These were typically flights secured with just a deposit (rather than payment of the full cost of the flight).

“Unprotected flights were typically those where full payment was made at the time of booking and a ticket was issued straightaway.”

The authority added: “Bookings which do not include a flight element are not covered by the ATOL scheme and you should contact StrandTravelCreditors@frpadvisory.com.”

• Travel Weekly would like to confirm that Bristol-based Strand Travel was in no way connected to the Irish travel agency and tour operator Strand Travel Worldchoice, which has been in business for more than 40 years and continues to trade successfully.