UPDATE: Essex-based operator ceases trading
School groups tour operator European Connections has ceased trading.
The Essex-based company ran accompanied educational tours, mainly to areas of musical, cultural or historical interest.
It was licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority to carry 1,040 passengers a year, but it is understood it had just 18 forward bookings and no customers abroad when it ceased trading.
The CAA said another operator, Halsbury Travel, had contacted the schools concerned and offered replacement travel arrangements if the schools were willing to hand over their claims for refunds to them.
A spokesman said: "It is of course up to the schools to decide if they want to accept this offer."
European Connections was founded in 1980 by former teacher Ted Higham, who was later joined in the business by his sons and his daughter.
In addition to ATOL-protected air-based holidays, the company also organised holidays by coach.
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
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive