Great Escapes travel company closes its doors

Ronane Travel customers in the west of Ireland may miss out on holidays booked through the travel operator.

Travel Insurance News - 28/08/2008

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Also known as Great Escapes, the County Mayo-based travel operator ceased trading on Tuesday, according to the Commission for Aviation Regulation.

The commission’s stated indicated that it was “highly unlikely” that any bookings made through the agency would be honoured, including those made directly with Ronane Travel, or indirectly through another travel operator.

Based in Swinford, County Mayo, Great Escapes sold both flights and package holidays that departed from the Ireland West Knock Airport. Holiday destinations offered included Crete, Faro, Lanzarote and Salou.

An airport spokesperson said that it regretted the closing of the tour operation, saying that efforts were being made to help travellers return home on flights that they had booked. The spokesperson added that the commission is engaged “in discussions with the relevant air carriers in relation to their repatriation as originally scheduled.”

Customers of the travel company can file claims through the Commission for Aviation Regulation, which has noted that all claims applications need to include documentary evidence and reimbursement forms. The forms are available online on the regulator’s website.

Ronane Travel had been in operation for a few years and employed six staff. Its website, greatescapes.ie, was launched this past May, but is now offline.

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