26 Oct
2012

ABTA statement on Bowen Travel Group

ABTA can confirm that administrators Deloitte issued a statement on 25 October reporting that coach tour operator and retailer Bowen Travel Group has gone into administration. Bowen Travel is part of independent travel agents group Hays Travel, a member of ABTA and is bonded with the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) scheme. 

Regarding Bowen’s coach holidays, the administrators have confirmed they are working with BCH and writing to all customers providing claims advice regarding unfulfilled Bowen’s coach holidays. They have also confirmed that they are seeking an alternative coach operator to fulfil forthcoming trips and ensure minimal disruption for holidaymakers.

Regarding other holidays and travel arrangements booked through a Bowen’s agent, Hays Travel has confirmed that retail bookings made through the Bowen Travel Group will be honoured by Hays and is currently contacting these customers, along with its suppliers, to notify them about this.

Bowen Travel Group is comprised of six firms (Bowen Travel Ltd; LF Bowen Ltd; Jeffs Coaches Ltd; York Bros Northampton Ltd; Bowen Travel Transport Ltd and Woottens Luxury Travel Ltd) and employs a total of 448 people across the UK. Deloitte have confirmed that 393 staff have been made redundant with immediate effect.