ASATA Responds to United Europe Closure

JOHANNESBURG, 21 JUNE 2019 – The Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA) is aware of the immediate closure of United Europe PTY Ltd.

The Johannesburg-based tour operator, which is not a member of ASATA, ceased trading on 21 June 2019, according to Managing Director Mark Buck.

Otto de Vries, CEO ASATA, says efforts are under way to determine what recourse customers have, but no details have been released as yet regarding liquidators and the exposure to travel industry customers in terms of forward bookings.

“We urge affected travel partners to determine immediately how the closure of United Europe impacts their customers and what their exposure is likely to be in the coming weeks, not only in terms of full payments that have been made, but also in terms of deposits,” says de Vries.

ASATA will communicate with its members once more details, including the name of the liquidator, are revealed.

“In the interim, however, every effort should be made to minimise the disruption to the travelling public and determine how your business is likely to be affected financially,” concludes de Vries.