Trade sadness as Classic Collection to close after 37 years

Travel agents and former Classic Collection staff have voiced sadness and frustration following news that parent company On the Beach is to close the tour operator.

Classic was set up in 1988 and built a reputation selling holidays in Europe, North Africa, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

It was sold to On the Beach for £20 million in August 2018 in a deal led by managing director Nick Munday.

On the Beach confirmed plans to close the loss-making operator on Wednesday (September 24), with 26 staff entering a collective consultation and no further bookings to be taken.

All trade events have also been cancelled, including a VIP trip to Antalya next month.

A message to trade partners said: "We would like to sincerely thank you for your continued support and partnership. We truly value the relationships we’ve built together and we understand this announcement may cause disappointment and uncertainty.

"Please be assured that we are committed to looking after you, your customers, and any existing arrangements."

John Sullivan, commercial director at Advantage Travel Partnership, said in a statement: “Today will be a very sad day for everyone at Classic Collection and the UK travel agency community generally.

 

“Our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies are with all the dedicated staff members who will have been affected by this difficult development.

 

“It is always deeply unfortunate to witness the departure of such well-established and respected travel brands, especially Classic, who was always incredibly trade focused and supportive of the industry.

 

“This closure serves as a stark and sobering reminder that we operate in a fast-paced industry which continues to face significant and persistent challenges that affect even the most established operators.”

Posting on Travel Weekly’s Facebook page, Millington Travel sales and operations director Liam East said: “Absolutely devastating news, really feel for the guys at Classic, one of the most supportive team in the industry, that have all worked so hard to make the brand a success. Sad sad day.”

Other posters said the brand had “gone downhill” since the sale to On the Beach and described the closure as “inevitable”.

While many praised the operator’s staff and said pricing and marketing were positive, others criticised the decision to include On the Beach branding on sales documentation.

Poster Mike Johnson said: “A sad, sad but inevitable course of action. It went from a premium brand to one I’d never even bother to quote due to its OTB branding everywhere.

“Feel for the fabulous staff but they will be snapped up elsewhere, I’m sure.”

Former employee Gemma Lazenby said: “Really sad news, I had 19 happy years there, it was a brand we were proud to work for, so really sad to see it go.”

Former Travel House head of retail and current Jason Edwards Travel sales and marketing manager Leanne Williams added: "Such sad news today for the industry. Classic gave so much to so many over the years, myself included! Were they perfect no, but is any operator? Thinking of all the team that have lost their jobs today. It’s important to remember that behind every announcement like this are real people, with families, commitments and lives outside of work.”