HURTIGRUTEN has stepped up to support affected travel agents in the wake of yesterday’s shock collapse of Tempo Holidays and Bentours in Australia and NZ. Cox & Kings India, which has repeatedly assured the industry that the Australasian operation was isolated from the financial issues of its beleaguered parent, said...
HURTIGRUTEN has stepped up to support affected travel agents in the wake of yesterday’s shock collapse of Tempo Holidays and Bentours in Australia and NZ.
Cox & Kings India, which has repeatedly assured the industry that the Australasian operation was isolated from the financial issues of its beleaguered parent, said it was placing the business into voluntary administration after failing to find a buyer.
Bentours had a long association with Hurtigruten, and was formerly the cruise line’s GSA in Australia and New Zealand.
However earlier this month Hurtigruten established its own office in Melbourne, and said it was committed to working with affected agents and clients to confirm Hurtigruten bookings.
Unfortunately cruises booked between Oct and Dec 2019 will be affected by the closure, with Hurtigruten stating it will not cancel any agent or client bookings without first undertaking consultation with that agent or client.
“Hurtigruten will work closely with agents and clients to offer travel solutions and alternatives arising from the…collapse,” Hurtigruten Asia Pacific MD Damian Perry said.
Agents and clients with forward bookings through Bentours are advised to contact their agency head office to check on policies or contact Hurtigruten via email apac.assist@hurtigruten.com or by phone on 1300 322 062.
Hurtigruten has also set up a dedicated website page to assist at hurtigruten.com.au/bentours.
Bentours had previously worked with Hurtigruten on retail shop fronts, famil opportunities, roadshows, festival sponsorships, and distribution partnerships.
The ongoing financial trouble associated with Cox & Kings India has also seen Tempo Holidays, which offered cruises as part of its product suite, placed into administration.
“It is understandably a sad day for all staff concerned, along with the trade,” Cox & Kings India said.
