A UK travel company offering flights and holiday packages worldwide has ceased trading.
Travel Bespoke Ltd, based in Midhurst, Sussex, traded under the names Chalet Bespoke, Ski Bespoke and Spa Bespoke.
However, it has now ceased trading as an ATOL holder, according to the financial protection scheme’s website.
What is ATOL?
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A post shared by ATOL Protected UK (@atolprotecteduk)
A post shared by ATOL Protected UK (@atolprotecteduk)
ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) is a UK financial protection scheme run and managed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The government-backed financial protection scheme is something all tour companies in the UK are required to have.
It safeguards travellers’ money and ensures they aren’t left stranded abroad if a travel company goes out of business.
Any UK travel company that has ATOL is therefore licensed to sell air travel and include flights in packages sold to customers.
ATOL also guarantees customers receive refunds if a company collapses.
If you book your flight and accommodation separately, you are usually not covered.
If the travel company ceases trading, the scheme will refund your money for future bookings, or cover the costs of continuing your current holiday and getting you home.
ATOL does not cover medical expenses, delayed flights, or lost luggage.
What does it mean if you fail as an ATOL holder?
If a company fails or ceases trading as an ATOL holder, it could mean it has gone out of business or become insolvent, or ‘gone bust’.
The ATOL website explains that a company fails as an ATOL holder if:
The CAA website also notes that “ATOL only comes into force if your travel operator stops trading”.
If your travel provider becomes a failed ATOL holder, you may be ATOL protected if you purchased a flight and have not received tickets and have been given an ATOL Certificate.
Protection is also offered if you purchased a flight-inclusive package holiday and have been given an ATOL Certificate.
If you are ATOL protected, follow the instructions and advice published on the ATOL website.
If you are abroad and experiencing difficulties, you can contact ATOL through the telephone number shown on your ATOL Certificate.
Travel Bespoke Ltd ceases trading as holidays at risk
Travel Bespoke Ltd is the latest ATOL holder to cease trading.
The company said on one of its former websites that it offered a “bespoke luxury ski experience”.
An account on social media said: “We are an independent, luxury UK-based ski specialist.
“We offer truly bespoke ski trips to resorts in Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada and USA.”
All of its associated websites are now shut down, but Companies House does show that the business remains active.
Despite this, it ceased trading as an ATOL holder on May 29, just over 15 years after it was incorporated.
The ATOL website said: “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 making a claim to ATOL is May 28, 2027.
The website adds: “Bookings sold as accommodation only, non-flight Packages & Cruise Only bookings which do not include a flight element are not covered by the ATOL scheme.
“Please contact your travel insurance or card issuer for further assistance.
“You can check your booking type on our Claims Information page.”
Other UK travel companies that have closed in 2026
Four other UK travel companies have already closed in 2026:
Luxury UK holiday company Salamander Voyages also shut down in April after entering administration.
Meanwhile, three UK airlines have fallen into administration or liquidation already this year:
Another UK travel company, Trav Expert Ltd, also ceased trading as an ATOL holder in May.
The travel company offered flights and holiday packages to destinations around the world, including Sydney, The Maldives, New York, Dubai, Barcelona and Barbados.
The company, based in Hounslow (London), traded under the names Best4trips, Travel Crew, and Air waay.
Have you booked flights or a holiday through Travel Bespoke Ltd (Chalet Bespoke, Ski Bespoke or Spa Bespoke)? Let us know in the comments below.
