UK’s STA Travel Ceases Trading Due to Covid-19 Pandemic

STA Travel, a UK-based student and youth travel company, last week ceased trading due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global travel industry.

Established in 1971, STA Travel operated from 50 locations around the UK.

According to media reports, its parent company Diethelm Keller Holding, based in Switzerland, filed for insolvency on August 20, and STA Travel entered administration and ceased trading the next day.

The company said customers with bookings would receive further communication in the coming days.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience and the limited information available to you at this time,” the announcement said.

STA Travel offered airfares, adventure tours, and holidays to a number of destinations around the world.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) on Friday issued advice for customers that have made holiday and travel arrangements with STA Travel.

“The majority of holidays sold by STA Travel Limited were flight-inclusive packages and these were protected by the CAA’s ATOL scheme, as well as scheduled airline tickets under its IATA licence and as agent for the airline,” the Association said.

STA Travel Limited also sold packages which did not include flights and were protected by ABTA as well as holidays as an agent for other tour operators.