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Hotelplan UK struck by cyber attack

Hotelplan UK has launched an investigation and temporarily “isolated and shut down key systems” after being hit by a cyber attack.

The company,which operates brands including Inghams, Explore Worldwide, Esprit Ski, Inntravel and Santa’s Lapland, issued a statement on Tuesday to confirm IT disruption at the weekend had stemmed from a “cyber security incident”.

The group said it has taken steps to shut down key systems, adding that it is now carrying out a “thorough investigation” and working hard to restore service levels.

Hotelplan chief executive Joe Ponte said there would be “no impact on holidays and trips that are already booked”.

He added: “Our team is working around the clock to get all of our brands fully operational again so we can resume the level of service that agents, partners and customers expect from us. We regret any delays. We take all matters of cyber security extremely seriously.”

In a message sent to travel agents and suppliers, Ponte said customers are still departing as normal and agents can make contact with the group through the normal channels.

Workarounds are being introduced to minimise disruption, the message said, but delays might be encountered over the coming days.

Ponte apologised for any inconvenience and thanked agents and partners for their support.

He said different brands would potentially become fully operational at different points in time.

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