Market Harborough-based Diamond Shortbreak Holidays Ltd has ceased trading due to ‘financial difficulties’.
Much of its work was sub-contracted to private coach operators.
The operator, which has 7,000 forward bookings comprising around 16,000 passengers, collapsed yesterday evening (15 March).
The company, which also includes The River Cruise Line, specialises in coach holidays and rail breaks and has an ATOL licence for 962 passengers.
A statement from ABTA says: “Diamond Shortbreak Holidays Ltd has ceased trading due to financial difficulties.
“This is clearly going to be very worrying for the thousands of holidaymakers who have booked with the company.
“Although we have to confirm that their holidays are cancelled, the company’s non-flight based package holidays, such as coach or rail trips, are fully protected through ABTA.
“These kind of trips formed the majority of the company’s business.”
“Everyone booked on packages will get a refund on the money they have paid, in some cases this may be through their bank or credit card company and we will give them a letter, which will make any claim straightforward.
Established in 1998, Diamond is majority-owned by one of the founders Kevin Riley, 43, along with co-Director Ian Fletcher and Angus Fletcher.
Companies House records reveal that shareholder, Jamie Tann, resigned as the firm’s Finance Director on 1 February.
The firm was issued with a winding-up petition in May 2016, but this was later rescinded. It also has a County Court Judgement of £1,064, issued in November 2014, that remains outstanding.
