Irish travel agent and tour operator, Joe Walsh Tours, is set to reopen after ceasing trading in April 2021.
Joe Walsh Tours first launched in 1961 and specialised in tours to pilgrimage destinations.
A statement issued on behalf of the company said: “Following an exhaustive and transparent sales process, David Walsh has announced that he has reached agreement with the liquidators to acquire the business and certain assets of Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd including the Joe Walsh Tours brand.”
David Walsh was the owner and a director of Joe Walsh Tours and the amount paid in the sale has not been disclosed.
The company is seeking a licence from the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) and it intends to operate in various specialist tour markets including pilgrimages, said the statement.
More: Covid forces Irish travel agency to close after 60 years
The company had a bond in place to cover passengers who had booked package trips.
A spokesman for Joe Walsh Tours said: “We are delighted to announce the re-opening of Joe Walsh Tours. Parishes, group leaders, dioceses and special interest groups around Ireland have repeatedly voiced their need for the assistance of a specialist licensed and bonded group travel company when co-ordinating foreign group travel and we are ready to facilitate these groups.”
The CAR is in the process of refunding all former customers of Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd departing from the Republic of Ireland.
All UK customers of Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd have been refunded via the Total Payment Protection (TOPP) policy provided by Travel & General Insurance Services Ltd.
Other brands purchased as part of the arrangement include Pilgrimages Abroad & Concorde Travel.