SIX STAFF were let go from a Cork travel agency that ceased trading yesterday after 23 years.
The rise in popularity of internet bookings and holidaying at home has been blamed for the closure of City Travel, located on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork city centre.
The company also cited high rent costs as a factor in the decision to close its doors, but assured customers that all holidays would go ahead as scheduled.
The tour operator, which specialised in honeymoon, long-haul and cruise holiday bookings, along with package trips, has transferred its business to another prominent Cork travel agency, Lee Travel.
One member of staff from City Travel is to be transferred to Lee Travel to manage the company’s portfolio of customers.
City Travel spokesman Chris Ryan blamed a massive drop-off in winter holiday options, with tour operators scheduling 40 per cent fewer charter flights for the coming season.
“Tour operators have cut capacity by 40 per cent this winter. So, to put it simply, there’s a lot less to sell.
“There has been a big drop-off in all bookings this year.
“A lot of people decided to holiday at home.
“With the economic downturn, people are choosing not to book holidays and, if they are, they are choosing to use the internet,” said Mr Ryan.
“It’s a shame because we had some of the best staff in Cork working here, some with more than 16 years of experience.”
Mr Ryan said a number of customers availed of pre-season offers earlier this year and more were expecting to see similar prices offered for sun holiday destinations in the high season.
“There were offers earlier this year and I think people expected to see the same low prices posted for holidays during the high season, but that just didn’t happen,” he said.
“There were many elements that came into play in this closure, but it’s centred around the economic downturn.
“People just don’t have the money to spend.”
The decision to close was voluntary, and was taken by City Travel managing director Mary O’Grady, who established the company.