UK-based tour operator Balkan Holidays has ceased trading, citing mounting difficulties in remaining competitive and profitable in the market, the Bulgaria specialist said, according to Travel Weekly report.
The company, which operated holidays to Bulgaria for nearly six decades, said all forward bookings would be refunded in full and all suppliers would be paid, as it closed operations while remaining solvent.
“The decision to cease trading has not been taken lightly,” the company said in a statement. “However, it has become increasingly difficult to be competitive and profitable in the UK market.”
Industry leaders paid tribute to the long-established brand, commending its responsible approach and expressing disappointment over the loss of a specialist operator.
Gary Lewis, chief executive of The Travel Network Group, described the news as “heartbreaking” for Balkan Holidays’ staff. “It’s sad for the industry to see the loss of a strong specialist operator,” he said. “The fact they have taken responsible action to close their doors while still solvent to ensure partners do not lose money is really commendable.”
John Sullivan, commercial director at The Advantage Travel Partnership, said the consortium was “truly saddened” by the development. “We’ve enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Balkan for many years. It’s a brand that brought Bulgaria to the masses and put it on the map as a mainstream destination,” he said.
Tony Mann, director at Idle Travel, called the closure “really sad,” noting the operator had been trading for nearly 60 years. “We have sent many customers on Balkan Holidays trips over the years, especially from our local airport Leeds Bradford,” he said, adding that his agency had begun contacting affected customers to reassure them that their money was protected.
Peter Cookson, managing director at Spear Travels Group, said the group had six live bookings with Balkan Holidays. “It’s a big disappointment for our customers, but at least it’s a full refund situation, rather than having to make claims,” he said. “It’s always a pity to see a long-established tour operator having to close their doors.”
Helen Parry, director at Arundel Travel, said the company’s “fabulous team” were in her thoughts. “It’s a great product that provided affordable holidays suiting all markets. The company and product will be missed,” she said, recalling her first fam trip with Balkan Holidays to Sunny Beach more than two decades ago.
Henbury Travel director Richard Slater said Balkan Holidays had not seen recent demand but described the closure as disappointing. “It’s always sad to see small operators making these decisions. We need a market filled with businesses of all scale and size,” he said. “It is admirable they have taken this decision now rather than letting it get further down the line.”
Ashley Quint, director at TravelTime World, said the closure was a reminder of the importance of supporting independent operators. “It’s a real shame to lose another specialist,” he said. “It brings it home that we should be supporting independents more, even if there is allure from the big players with large incentives and promises.”
Quint added that the early closure ahead of the summer season raised questions about overall demand in the mass-market travel segment.
