The first creditors meeting for Excite Holidays’ collapse has been scheduled, as a growing number of agents plead for help.
According to a notice issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the meeting will take place at Sydney’s Wesley Conference Centre on 22 January at 11am (AEDT).
KPMG’s Morgan Kelly, Phil Quinlan and Amanda Coneyworth have been appointed as administrators of Excite Holidays (Australia) Pty Ltd, Global Travel Holdings Pty Ltd, Global Travel Specialists Pty Ltd, Events NG Pty Ltd, and Travel Serv Co Pty Ltd.
The notice states the purpose of the meeting is to consider whether to appoint a committee of inspection, and if so, who are to be the committee’s members.
At the meeting, creditors may also, by resolution, remove the administrators from office and appoint someone else as administrator(s) of the companies.
Creditors wishing to attend are advised proofs and proxies are to be submitted to the administrator by 4pm (AEDT) on 21 January 2020.
More info on the meeting can be found here. Anyone who wishes to contact the administrators can get in touch with Henry McCullough on (02) 9335 8137 or at au-fmexcite@kpmg.com.au.
The collapse of Excite was made official on Friday following an excruciating week for countless agents and their clients.
Excite executive director Nicholas Stavropoulos told Travel Weekly on Tuesday that the company was in discussions about a potential business deal in when asked about speculation the company was selling part of its business to a US-based company, believed to be Bonotel Exclusive Travel.
However, Stavropoulos told Travel Weekly on Friday morning that the wholesaler would make an announcement later that day, noting “it’s not good news”.
A growing number of agents have contacted Travel Weekly since Excite went into administration pleading for help.
Travel Weekly also understands Bonotel has been in touch with affected agents to clarify the impact of Excite’s collapse on the company as a hotel supplier.
It’s believed that agents who made reservations with Excite via Bonotel are being advised to wire money to the hotel supplier to avoid cancellation of those bookings.
Beyond Travel lends a hand
Australian-owned and -operated destination specialist Beyond Travel is the latest industry player to offer its support to agents and their clients affected by Excite’s collapse, following the lead of Viva Holidays and International Rail on Friday.
The company is providing rates at cost for agents with affected bookings and extra trained staff on board.
Beyond Travel CEO Michael Lavilles said staff will aim to process all requests as quickly as possible and will prioritise by bookings service date.
Lavilles stressed that the company would not be profiteering in any way through this unfortunate situation and that its intention is to assist affected agents and their clients.
“Our policy in these situations is to offer alternative services as quickly as possible on affected bookings at cost to minimise both out of pocket expenses for agents and inconvenience to clients,” he said.
Agents wishing to promptly speak with a member of the sales and reservations team should call 1300 363 554 or email info@beyondtravel.com.au.
