TrekAmerica axed as Travelopia streamlines head office

Travelopia has streamlined its UK adventure division by closing TrekAmerica after axing a quarter of its head office roles.

However, the brand has managed to keep its Melbourne office open to aid agents with bookings from its other brands.

The wholesaler began employee consultations on 26 August and removed around 25 per cent of head office roles in its UK headquarters in Surbiton and Northwich, similarly to divisions in the companies overseas offices.

As a result, the company has opted to close its TrekAmerica brand after nearly 50 years of hosting adventures across the US. It’s sister-brand and DMC American Adventures has also been closed.

Travelopia’s APAC office in Melbourne has survived the cuts and continues to support agents and customer bookings for the Exodus Travels and Headwater brands.

“We are living in very challenging times, with the global pandemic affecting everyone in a profound way,” managing director Sam Seward said.

“We have seen our business move from record-breaking revenue figures in January to the worst year in our 46-year history.

“It has been a horrible time for the entire team, who have worked tirelessly to put our customers’ safety and happiness first.

“We have already implemented a range of measures to protect jobs as far as possible. However, due to the severity of the impact of the pandemic on our ability to operate our trips, as well as a significant reduction in forward bookings, it is with deep regret that we must take steps to reduce the size of our team.”

Seward said the company has a “robust recovery plan” for the year ahead, but said it was incredibly difficult for the company to accept having to let go of such a large number of its team.

“I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to my team for their dedication and professionalism throughout what has been an immensely challenging set of circumstances.

“Their loyalty, passion and skills will make them an asset to any employer in any sector, though we hope to be in a position to re-employ our people as and when the market recovers.”

The company said in a statement that any agents who have clients with a TrekAmerica booking (or refund or credit note) will be contacted in due course.

The business had already streamlined some operations, with the Grand American Adventures (GAA) brand suffering a similar fate earlier this year. Tours to the USA and Canada previously run under the GAA brand are now available under the Exodus Travels brand.

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