UK holiday firm set to close by end of the year and cancel hundreds of trips
A UK holiday company is closing its doors at the end of the year, cancelling potentially hundreds of trips away in the process.
James Villas announced it was shutting up shop by the end of 2023 and stopping all bookings made after November 30. Those due to stay in one of the firm's properties after this date will receive a full refund, unless the property is owned by one of James Villas' sister companies, in which case the holiday will go ahead.
The company ceased taking bookings on Monday, putting 40 roles at risk of redundancy, Travel Weekly reported. A consultation has begun, with a chance that staff at the Maidstone, Kent firm may be employed across the wider Awaze parent group.
All existing James Villas customers are being contacted this week about their bookings with the brand, which has around 600 guaranteed villas across Europe.
Have you been impacted by the company closure? Email [email protected]
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The holiday firm ran 600 properties (SCU)A statement from the company read: "The entire James Villas team would like to thank each and every customer that has ever booked with us, it has been a pleasure being part of your holiday experiences for so many years. For new customers looking at future holiday options, we recommend NOVASOL, our sister company featuring properties all across Europe. Click here to be taken to novasol.co.uk."
If you have a holiday booked or are a property owner with James Villas email [email protected] for more information.
A number of people claiming to have booked holidays with the company said they had received emails telling them the trip had been cancelled. "Just received email advising they are closing and all future holidays are being cancelled and refunded, which leaves me out of pocket for the flights," one unhappy customer wrote on Trust Pilot.
"All calls being hung up on after a brief recorded message. Tried to call the parent company, Awaze. All numbers on website diverted to their operator Hoseasons who are unable to help. Clearly they do not wish to work with customers and I am frustrated at this treatment."
Another person added: "Just got an email. My Christmas Villa booking is cancelled. Just like that - no compensation - maybe 10 days to refund. What do you think we can do now? Everywhere is booked up. James Villas parent company stole Christmas!"
Chief executive Henrik Kjelberg said: “Our focus at Awaze is to sell holiday homes that we manage exclusively on behalf of our owners. With our integration plans behind a common platform far advanced for our combined European inventory, we have decided to cease trading with James Villas as that model relied on guaranteed inventory.
“James Villas core inventory represents less than 1% of our total supply. We will work hard to ensure we minimise the impact on our employees, suppliers and customers. We remain committed to keep growing our supply base behind a model that is flexible and winning in the marketplace.”
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