September 23, 2019 – The Thomas Cook collapse has stranded 190 tourists in Dubrovnik who arrived from Manchester on Sunday.
Anyone reading the news on Monday would find it hard to miss that Thomas Cook, one of the world’s oldest and most renowned travel agencies, declared bankruptcy and ceased all operations, reports HRTurizam.
“Despite significant efforts, discussions did not result in an agreement between the company’s stakeholders and new investors,” the company said in a statement. “The company board, therefore, concluded that they had no choice but to take steps to introduce mandatory liquidation with immediate effect.”
The company filed for liquidation with the United Kingdom Supreme Court on Monday.
“Despite great efforts over the course of several months and intense negotiations in recent days, we have not been able to reach an agreement to save our business. I know this outcome is devastating and will cause a lot of people anxiety and stress,” CEO Peter Fankhauser said Monday morning.
Executives tried raising the additional $250 million needed to save the company over the weekend, but the deals appear to have failed due to many complications and the amount of money invested.
The collapse of the UK-based company, which was founded in 1841, has left thousands of people abroad unable to return to their homes. However, the U.K. government is working on a plan to rescue all tourists who have been stranded abroad in what they are calling “Operation Matterhorn”.
Dubrovački Dnevnik reports that there are currently 190 passengers in Dubrovnik who arrived Sunday by plane from Manchester. Dubrovnik Airport director Frano Luetic explained that British authorities are lcurrently organizing their return trip.
“The UK service responsible for these emergencies is already organizing a return trip for these passengers. The UK aviation authorities, in agreement with the UK government, have solutions. Their representatives will be at our airport providing passengers with the necessary information,” he said.
Luetic believes the company’s downfall will not have too much effect on Dubrovnik Airport.
“We were surprised by this news, given that it is the first travel agency created in the world. Concerning Dubrovnik Airport, Thomas Cook passengers accounted for one small percentage of the total number of guests arriving, given the other numerous flights and companies arriving in Dubrovnik. In any case, it is not positive news, though it is an almost insignificant percentage when it comes to Dubrovnik Airport,” he concluded.
The downfall of the company is likely to affect hotel facilities and private accommodation in Dubrovnik, but it is assumed not significantly. British guests are one of the largest markets visiting Dubrovnik, and the cancellation of a seasonal route to Dubrovnik could diminish their interest.
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