Agents warned not to refund customers of collapsed operator
Agents are being advised by the Civil Aviation Authority not to refund customers of specialist Chameleon Worldwide, which ceased trading on Monday.
The ATOL-protected Hampshire-based company also traded as Adventure Worldwide, Families Worldwide, Schools Worldwide and Walks Worldwide.
It also sold via its websites chameleonworldwide.co.uk, schoolsworldwide.co.uk, walksworldwide.com, adventureworldwide.co.uk and familiesworldwide.co.uk.
The Civil Aviation Authority said agents would be individually contacted by the CAA with specific instructions for bookings taken by Chameleon.
It said agents should not refund any monies they are currently holding.
It is believed the company had 38 customers abroad at the time of its collapse and around 179 forward bookings for around 700 customers.
The CAA said those already abroad who have booked scheduled flights should check with the airline regarding the validity of their return ticket. It said these should still be valid.
They might have to pay again for accommodation, or other elements bought as part of the package. If so, they should call the phone number on their ATOL certificate or email the CAA.
"To avoid any issues in resort, consumers still wishing to travel should confirm all the elements of their booking with the relevant supplier and agree payment for these in advance of travel. The consumer’s claim in any event cannot exceed the cost of their entire holiday (including flights)," it added.
For bookings that don’t include a flight, customers are being advised to contact abtot.com.
A message on Chameleon’s website states Richard Lewis and Nigel Morrison have been appointed joint administrators.
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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