UK and European tour operator Diamond Shortbreak Holidays has ceased trading ‘due to financial difficulties’. 

The Leicestershire-based tour operator and its River Cruise Line division specialised in selling destinations around the UK and other European locations.

ABTA estimates the company holds almost 7,000 forward bookings which are protected by ABTA, comprising approximately 16,000 customers.

“This is clearly going to be very worrying for the thousands of holidaymakers who have booked with the company,” ABTA said. “Although unfortunately we have to confirm that their holidays are cancelled, the company’s non-flight based package holidays, such as coach or rail trips, are fully protected through ABTA.

“These kind of trips formed the majority of the company’s business, and customers with one of these bookings are advised to go to abta.com where they can start the process of claiming a refund.”

The travel body said that all customers on booked on packages will get a refund on the money they have paid, in some cases this may be through their bank or credit card company and we will give them a letter, which will make any claim straightforward.

“Customers who need more help can contact our claims team on 0203 758 8743,” ABTA advised. “A small number of customers with flight based holidays will be protected through the ATOL scheme and should contact the CAA.”