Holiday firm Isle of Wight (IOW) Tours has closed after more than 30 years in operation.
The company, which employed around 25 Islanders, says COVID-19 has "wiped out" more than 90% of its trade, meaning it is financially unviable to continue.
It says around 30,000 customers have either cancelled, postponed or refunded throughout the pandemic.
IOW Tours ceased trading as of yesterday (Wednesday). Customers who have booked a holiday by coach, or an 'event-style' overnight breaks have been told they will receive a refund.
A company statement reads:
"We have tried so hard for you, our more than loyal customers, to keep our heads above water... I.O.W Tours Limited are members of The Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT) and held a bond under the Bonded Coach Holidays scheme (BCH) to protect customer prepayments. BCH have appointed Protect Claims to manage and process refund claims.
"Protect Claims will help you claim back any monies you are owed, including those protected by Refund Credit Notes issued and set out some advice below. If you are booked as part of a group, only the Lead Booker (Group Organiser) can contact Protect Claims.
"They will be unable to assist individuals within a group as only the Group Organiser can make a claim. Details of the claim process will be published on the BCH website from Tuesday 13 October… click on this link to www.bch-uk.org.
"If you do not have access to the internet, a copy of the claim form can be posted to you to complete and return. Please write to: Protect Claims PO Box 6430, Basildon, SS14 0QT. Customers are encouraged to claim electronically.
"We want to thank you for allowing us to have looked after you, some of our customer have been loyal to us for all 31 years we have been trading. We have laughed together, cried together and enjoyed each other’s company over the years, and we are really going to miss each and everyone one of you. Your IOW Tours Team."
The news come a month after the much-loved business was honoured at The Group Travel Awards, as Isle of Wight Radio previously reported.
The Sandown-based firm took home the Best Group Tour Operator award for the second time in two years.
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