Europe and Florida specialist Solmar Villas says it is offering a “lifeline” to holidaymakers affected by the closure of James Villas.
Solmar also said it will do “everything it can” to support James Villas’ staff who are facing an uncertain future.
James Villas’ parent company, Awaze, announced on Monday it will shut down the trade-friendly brand, putting 40 jobs at risk of redundancy.
Solmar has secured more than 200 of James Villas’ cancelled properties across Europe and is offering customers the chance to re-book their holiday for the same dates, as bookings from November 30 had been cancelled.
Sharon Bradbury, marketing director of Solmar Villas, said: “The announcement that James Villas is closing is extremely sad. The company has been part of the UK holiday industry for almost 40 years and this news will have left many holidaymakers’ plans in tatters, especially if flights and car hire have already been arranged.
More: Agents concerned over supply after James Villas closure
“We’re delighted to be able to help some of those holidaymakers with their 2024 plans, with Solmar Villas so far securing more than 200 of James Villas’ former properties, with more being added daily.
“We’re able to give those customers hit by cancellations the opportunity to re-book through us on the same dates, keeping their travel plans intact.”
The company has set up a dedicated landing page on its website where customers can go directly to find their villa and start the re-booking process.
Bradbury added: “We understand how important holidays are; it’s something we all look forward to, so the news that your break has been cancelled will understandably be a big disappointment and cause added stress.
“We will try our utmost to book them into the same accommodation.”
Solmar Villas has more than 1,600 properties in Europe and has recently added Florida to its portfolio.
• Elsewhere, SPL Villas’ managing director, Edward Frampton-Fell – who used to be in the senior team at James Villas – said he was saddened by news of the closure, adding: “It is a particular shame as our data shows that demand for villa and short stay rentals is strengthening
“We’re responding to that with some significant, trade-friendly, strategic enhancements to our offering which we will announce soon, and would be very happy to hear from anyone was on the James Villas team – particularly those from customer operations roles – who’d like to be a part of what we expect to be a busy 2024.”