UK travel company Travel Bespoke Ltd, which operated under the brands Chalet Bespoke, Ski Bespoke, and Spa Bespoke, has ceased trading, leaving all booked holidays cancelled. The firm, established in 2011, offered ski and spa getaways to destinations including Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, and the USA. Its websites are now inaccessible, and its former headquarters were in Midhurst, West Sussex.
ATOL Protection and Refund Process
The Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) scheme, which provides financial protection for package holidays, announced that Travel Bespoke stopped operating as an ATOL holder on May 29. ATOL stated: "We have contacted the affected ATOL protected consumers directly. If you have not been contacted and believe you are entitled to a claim against an ATOL protected booking, please supply your booking details with supporting documentation by email to claims@caa.co.uk." The deadline for submitting claims is May 28, 2027.
ATOL clarified that bookings sold as accommodation only, non-flight packages, and cruise-only bookings without a flight element are not covered. Customers in those cases are advised to contact their travel insurance provider or card issuer.
Recent Travel Industry Collapses
Travel Bespoke is not alone in recent failures. Groupia Ltd, a long-established firm trading for 24 years under brands including Groupia Golf, GoHen, StagWeb, Groupia School Trips, and Company Away Day, recently entered administration. Groupia served over 750,000 holidaymakers before folding.
Consumer Rights and Advice
Under UK law, any travel company selling holidays or flights must hold an ATOL number. If a firm collapses before travel, customers can apply to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a full refund. If already abroad, the CAA is obligated to arrange return travel. Travel insurance covering company insolvency is recommended, as is credit card protection for payments over £100. Mastercard and Visa debit card holders may also use chargeback schemes through their banks.
