The UK travel trade has expressed sadness at the news that Classic Collection is to close – though some said the brand has not been the same since it was taken over by On the Beach.
On the Beach announced this morning Classic Collection is being wound down, with no more new bookings being taken from today and planned marketing activity and events now cancelled.
Classic Collection Holidays, which was set up in 1988, was taken over by On the Beach for £20 million in 2018. The previous year, it had turned over £62m and reported pre-tax profits of £2.5m.
In March 2024, Classic Collection CEO Andy Freeth and Product and Commercial Director Alex Galvada left the company following a management restructure that saw Si Morris-Green become Director B2B.
The restructure followed a new deal between its parent company On the Beach and Ryanair.
On the Beach then announced it was planning to combine Classic Collection and Classic Package Holidays under a single brand and launched a consultation with staff about proposed job losses.
In May 2024 On the Beach said it was committed to Classic Collection and was preparing for its ‘biggest summer ever’.
Spa Travel Managing Director Paul Dayson said: “We used to be one of Classic’s top sellers in Yorkshire but we haven’t done a booking for at least a year – that speaks volumes. When On the Beach took over it all changed. Good staff left, we couldn’t get through and the odd booking we did contained On the Beach paperwork – so why support a competitor?”
Henbury Travel MD Richard Slater said he was saddened that another ‘fantastic name’ had been ‘swallowed up, then closed’.
He said: “Sadly, we’re unable to use Classic Collection Holidays, due to our consortium [Midcounties] preferences.
“However, previous to the purchase by On the Beach, we did use them as a regular tour operator who offered quality hotels and holidays and made them tailormade.
“Lots of customers were repeats with them and it’s very sad to hear that On the Beach is closing the business down. Yet again, it’s very sad to see a good quality brand being wound up.”
Advantage Travel Partnership Commercial Director John Sullivan said: “Today will be a very sad day for everyone at Classic Collection and the UK travel agency community generally. Our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies are with all the dedicated staff members who will have been affected by this difficult development.
“It is always deeply unfortunate to witness the departure of such well-established and respected travel brands, especially Classic who was always incredibly trade focused and supportive of the industry.
“This closure serves as a stark and sobering reminder that we operate in a fast-paced industry which continues to face significant and persistent challenges that affect even the most established operators.”
Jane Drake of Hays Travel said: “They’ve always been a lovely team and it’s a sad day for them. I hope things work out well for them all.”
Another agent posted on Travel Gossip’s Facebook group to say the original Classic operation had been ‘brilliant’, but was ‘never the same’ after it was taken over.
And Stephen Glover, who works for operator Typically Travel said he was ‘sad to hear this news’.
He added: “Thinking of all of the CC staff at this time and hope you are successful in finding new roles.
