Asiara UK Ltd, a prominent travel company that specialised in organising holidays across Asia, has officially ceased trading. This sudden collapse has resulted in the cancellation of all booked holidays to a wide range of destinations, leaving customers seeking clarity and support.
Company Dissolution and Trading Cessation
According to official records from Companies House, the business was formally dissolved on Tuesday, January 13, after initially filing to be struck off the register in October of the previous year. The company halted its trading operations on Wednesday, January 21, marking the end of its services.
Asiara UK had built a reputation for offering comprehensive travel packages to numerous Asian countries, including popular destinations such as China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Japan. The firm promoted itself as a guide to exploring the diverse and captivating wonders of the Asian continent.
Impact on Holiday Bookings
The cessation of trading means that all pre-booked holidays to 28 different countries have been cancelled. The affected destinations include:
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
- Thailand
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- The Philippines
- Singapore
- China, including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan
- Bhutan
- Nepal
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Uzbekistan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Sri Lanka
- Brunei
- Azerbaijan
Beyond standard holiday packages, the company also offered specialised travel experiences such as city breaks, bird watching excursions, cruises, cooking tours, and hiking adventures, all of which are now affected.
Customer Protection and Support
In light of this development, it has been confirmed that customers are protected under the Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) scheme. This protection ensures that individuals who have booked holidays with Asiara UK will not lose their money.
The Herald reports that Protected Trust Services (PTS), associated with the company, emphasises its mission to keep consumers safe. Their website states: "Every Protected Trust Services (PTS) Member shares our mission to keep consumers safe. So whether you’re booking a weekend away or a round-the-world cruise, a staycation or the overseas trip of a lifetime, your money is fully protected."
For those requiring assistance with their bookings, the designated contact is Emma Collis, who can be reached via email at emma.collis@protectedtrustservices.com.
Broader Context and Industry Implications
The collapse of Asiara UK adds to a series of recent challenges within the UK travel sector, highlighting the vulnerabilities that can affect both businesses and consumers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of financial protections like ATOL when booking travel arrangements.
As the situation unfolds, affected customers are advised to stay informed through official channels and to utilise the available support mechanisms to resolve their booking issues promptly.
