Online Travel Training (OTT) is understood to have ceased trading and appointed insolvency specialists.
In an automated email reply, seen by Travel Weekly, the company said: “It is with deep regret that OTT has ceased trading. McTear Williams and Wood are being appointed to wind up the company. If you have any queries, please contact Luke Carless by email lukecarless@mw-w.com.”
Attempts to contact OTT managing director Julia Feuell on Tuesday were unsuccessful and McTear Williams and Wood did not respond to requests for comment. However, a speech at Abta’s Travel Convention in support of charity Abta LifeLine on Tuesday evening also referred to the failure and the need to support staff.
Update: Trade expresses shock and offers support as OTT ceases trading
The travel training company works 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.
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.