Groupia Ltd, a Bath-based travel company that has been operating for 24 years, entered administration on June 16, leaving many UK tourists facing holiday cancellations. The firm specialized in group travel across the UK and Europe, including stag and hen weekends, golf trips, team tours, spa breaks, ski holidays, and adventure trips to destinations such as Prague, Split, and Barcelona.
Company Background and Impact
Since its launch in 2002, Groupia has facilitated travel for over 750,000 people. The company also traded under the names Groupia Golf, GoHen, StagWeb, Groupia School Trips, and Company Away Days. The administration has resulted in the cessation of new bookings, and the company has arranged for ABTOT, a UK government-approved travel protection scheme, to support customers with existing bookings.
A notice on the company's website states that Nigel Fox and Christopher Marsden of S&W Partners LLP have been appointed as Joint Administrators. The notice reads: "Nigel Fox and Christopher Marsden of S&W Partners LLP appointed as Joint Administrators. The Company has now ceased taking new bookings, and arrangements are in place with ABTOT to support customers with existing bookings."
What Customers Need to Know
Customers with holidays or events booked on or before August 31 are expected to travel as planned, with ABTOT having arrangements in place. These customers can continue to manage their reservations using Groupia's existing VIP booking system. However, anyone with a booking from September 1 onwards has been told their plans will not go ahead. The website states: "Your event will unfortunately be cancelled and is subject to a refund claim."
Customers who paid by credit or debit card may recover their money through their card provider by requesting a credit card refund or debit card chargeback. Groupia has provided template letters to assist customers in contacting their banks. Those who used other payment methods can submit an online claim to Gallagher Bassett, which acts on behalf of ABTOT. Claimants must provide their booking confirmation and proof of payment. The company has warned that refund claims could take up to six weeks to be processed.
