If you were planning to live out your “Below Deck” dreams on a private sailboat this summer, you might want to double-check your inbox. Salamander Voyages, a luxury travel agency that spent the last 23 years whisking travelers away to the turquoise waters of Italy, Greece and Croatia, has officially closed its doors for good.
In a heartbreaking note posted to their website, the company shared that after more than two decades of “wonderful sailing,” they had taken the “difficult decision” to enter administration. According to reporting from The Street, the Belfast-based company reportedly owes over $1.2 million to various creditors, making it the latest victim in what’s becoming a bit of a bumpy year for the travel industry.
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This isn’t just a small hiccup; the company has effectively canceled all upcoming trips. If you have a booking, you won’t be dealing with the agency anymore. Instead, the process is being handled by joint administrators Scott Murray and Ian Davison, who are now tasked with sorting through the financial wreckage.
Sadly, Salamander isn’t alone in its struggle. From British firms like Great Little Escapes to French cruise operators, several luxury boutique agencies have buckled under the pressure of a changing market.
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As travelers get savvier with DIY booking apps and consumer sentiment remains a bit shaky, the “Old Reliable” travel agencies are finding it harder to stay afloat. If you’re one of the many travelers affected, the best move is to contact the administrators immediately to start the claims process—and maybe check that travel insurance policy one more time.
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