Southeast Asia specialist Ethos Travel has ceased trading after 13 years because of the travel restrictions imposed amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
A message on the operator’s website said: “It is with great sadness that we have had to make the decision to close Ethos Travel after 13 amazing years (and 18 very difficult months).
“This is not a choice we have made lightly but the reality is that we cannot foresee a future that would enable us to trade our way out of Covid uncertainties.
“With the ending of furlough, and the lack of any tailored industry support we have faced the reality that the future remains bleak for specialist tour operators without reliable income.”
In September, founder Sam Collins said he would have to reduce staff numbers when the furlough scheme came to an end.
The statement from Ethos Travel added: “Only one out of our 11 destinations is currently (partially) open to UK travellers and as we face the prospect of uncertain future border openings and confused messaging, we have to accept that fundamentally we are a business without business.
“We have tried to give the company time and opportunity to find a pathway through the current uncertainties – but this has proved impossible.
“We are indebted to all of our amazing staff and clients over the last 13 years – and to the incredible loyalty of those who have booked and rebooked over recent times.
“We know we have created many indelible memories for so many people, and feel an incredible sadness that we will not be there to make many more.”
A statement on the Civil Aviation Authority website said Ethos Travel ceased trading as an Atol holder on November 9 and had held an Atol until September 30.
Bookings and payments made after October 31 are not Atol-protected.
The London-based company traded under the names Ethos Travel and websites www.ethostravel.co.uk and www.islandsandbeyond.co.uk.
The CAA added: “If you are a travel agent of Ethos Travel Ltd and you are currently holding consumer payments which you have not yet paid to Ethos Travel Ltd, you are advised not to refund consumers with these funds until you have received instructions from the Air Travel Trust.
“Travel agents will be individually contacted by the CAA with specific instructions for these bookings.”