The Travelopia Adventure Division is to streamline its UK operations, with a reduction in the number of permanent roles, due to the impact of COVID-19.
The UK arm of the Travelopia Adventure division includes the Exodus Travels, Headwater and TrekAmerica brands, and operates from its headquarters based in Surbiton and Northwich. An employee consultation began on August 26, with proposed removal of around 25% of head office roles in the UK.
The immediate closure of the Trek America brand has also been announced along with the closure of sister-brand and DMC, American Adventures headquartered in Santa Rosa, California.
Sam Seward, managing director, said: ?We are living in very challenging times, with the global pandemic affecting everyone in a profound way. We have seen our business move from record-breaking revenue figures in January to the worst year in our 46-year history. Closing the TrekAmerica brand after nearly 50 years of fabulous USA adventure has been a difficult decision. Falling demand for destination USA and rising costs had already weakened passenger volumes significantly prior to the pandemic and our need to now focus on our core brands is pivotal.?
?We have a robust recovery plan for the year ahead, but for a values-driven company like ours that lays its foundations in happiness, ambition and acting responsibly, it is incredibly difficult to accept that a number of our hard-working, talented team will be leaving us?, he added.
The business has already streamlined some operations, with the Grand American Adventures brand being withdrawn earlier this year. The award-winning tours to the USA and Canada are now available under the Exodus Travels brand. Customers with a TrekAmerica booking (or refund credit note) will be contacted in due course to discuss their options, they do not need to do anything.
Similar reorganisation processes are also underway in the division?s overseas offices.
