Agents ‘devastated’ at Funway closure, trade pays tribute to staff
Travel agents were shocked today to hear that US specialist Funway Holidays has become the latest victim of the coronavirus pandemic.
The 27-year-old company, which also sold tailormade package to Mexico and the Caribbean, will cease trading at the end of September.
Responding to the news on the travel industry Facebook group Travel Gossip, agents said they were ‘devastated’ and ‘heartbroken’ and described it as ‘tragic’.
One wrote: "I absolutely love the Funway and can’t believe they won’t be around any more. Such a huge loss to the industry."
Funway Holidays will take no more bookings from today. It blamed the severe impact of the coronavirus pandemic for its decision to wind down the business, after first honouring its obligations.
All bookings departing after September 1 have been cancelled.
The company said all deposits will be refunded and Refund Credit Notes issued for cancelled holidays will be paid.
Around 50 employees are affected. They were praised by agents for their service and dedication to the job.
Dozens of other tributes were paid to Funway on Travel Gossip. One agent said it was ‘an amazing company’, another said it was ‘always my go to company as an agent’.
Another agent wrote: "This company was amazing, so sad."
One agent described Funway’s decision to close as a ‘huge loss’.
In a statement, Funway said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our wonderful agent partners. Whilst the Funway journey is coming to a close, we hope all of our partners emerge from this crisis and enjoy a most prosperous future."
Sales and marketing director Nick Talbot added: "It’s an incredibly sad day for the Funway team and our closure reflects just how severely the travel industry is being impacted by Covid-19."
"I would like to pay testament to our truly incredible team who have demonstrated unwavering professionalism and positivity in the most challenging of times."
VP and general manager Carla Van Der Giesen said: "I can only echo Nick’s comments.
"The closure of Funway International is a decision that has not been taken lightly. I feel privileged to have been able to lead our fantastic team that have represented the Funway brand with continuous passion and devotion.
"We are very thankful for the amazing support we received over the years from our many industry and travel agency partners. We leave behind a legacy of truly memorable holidays that our team has helped create for our many customers over the course of several decades."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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