Black Tip owner denies any scam
Black Tip Travel owner Dale Whitney has apologised to customers about the collapse of his travel agency and has insisted there was no scam.
The company, which was formerly a member of Advantage and ABTA, sought insolvency advice back in early December, blaming ‘errors’ made on some bookings which caused heavy losses.
At that time, it told customers it hoped to ‘work through this and get back on track soon’.
Customers quickly took to review forums to complain about their losses, accusing the agency of acting fraudulently.
Kent Police is continuing to investigate allegations of theft against the Tonbridge-based business.
In a statement now on Black Tip Travel’s website, director Whitney admitted the company has ceased trading.
"The company was forced into this position once advice was given from an insolvency practitioner that the company should not carry on trading, it was seen to be too risky that more customers would be put at risk later on down the line if it carried on taking bookings," he said.
"Unfortunately the company does not have the assets or funds to appoint an insolvency practitioner to actually close the business down and liquidate voluntary. Nor I as the sole director do I have the funds to make this happen, having now lost my livelihood."
Whitley then apologised for his handling of the collapse.
"I will admit that over the past couple of months I have not dealt with this situation very well which has made the outcome even worse for some for which I apologise heavily.
"I have found this extremely difficult to deal with personally and I can promise this has not been intentional. This has caused many to feel like this entire company was a scam which it was not. Every booking we took we fully intended to fulfil and just a small percentage of people that used this company have been affected by these issues with many satisfied customers and bookings during its lifetime.
"On a personal note I want to let those affected know that I am deeply sorry. I know this does not change the anger and stress caused but it’s important for me to say this as it is very true."
He advised customers who have trips paid for on credit card but have not received e-tickets to contact the airline directly to see if they have been issued.
He said if the tickets have not been issued, these customers should contact the credit card company and claim for a full refund under section 75.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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