Bankruptcy of Vacansoleil - a leading organizer of camping holidays
The court announced the bankruptcy of the Dutch camping giant - Vacansoleil. Last Tuesday, the company submitted a request to defer payment. According to Vacansoleil, employees are looking for solutions for customers who are currently on vacation or who are yet to go on vacation.
Compensation for Vacansoleil customers
Most Vacansoleil customers can apply for compensation from SGR (Stichting Garantiefonds Reisgelden), a foundation that compensates customers of travel companies in the event of their bankruptcy.
Because the Polish branch of Vacansoleil Sp. z o. o. is not a travel agent or tour operator within the meaning of the Act on Tourist Events and Related Tourist Services of November 24, 2017, then customers will most likely not receive support from the Tourist Guarantee Fund. However, they first suggest contacting a travel agency to obtain additional information.
Employee situation
The company employs approximately three hundred permanent employees. In addition, it uses the services of nearly 1,300 seasonal workers who work at the campsites from March to October. It is currently unclear what the further consequences will be for staff.
The company's financial problems
Vacansoleil had been experiencing financial difficulties for a long time, accumulating large debts. During the coronavirus pandemic, sales of camping holidays dropped dramatically, forcing the company to seek additional financing. With rising interest rates and high inflation, debt has become unsustainable. Despite attempts to reduce debt, cut costs and increase sales, the company was not successful. Negotiations with a potential buyer also ended in failure.
Possibility to restart your business
Two receivers have been appointed to analyze the possibility of restarting the business. "We notice great interest in our company and the market in which we operate," says the trustee of Lodewijk Hox. "In addition to caring for employees and customers, we focus on the possibility of reactivation. Without forgetting the interests of creditors, who also deserve our attention."
Where to look for campsites for your holiday?
We encourage you to book campsites directly at the campsite. Please remember that most often the owner of the campsite has cottages in the best locations and direct booking is the safest form of booking.
Direct contacts to campsites can be found in the CampRest camping search engine at the following link: https://camprest.com/en/campsites where you can filter the countries you are interested in and the most important amenities.
We have created the CampRest portal for people who value freedom and travel on their own.
