Have laskarina holidays ceased trading? i tried to book with them & was told that they had?
Answers:
I regret I can categorically confirm that the 2006 season will be the last for Laskarina Holidays.
I have received a letter today from Ian Murdoch (who started and owned Laskarina with his sadly departed wife Kate, some 30 years ago) stating that Laskarina will close at the end of this season and will not be trading into 2007. I have also had my deposit for my 2007 holiday returned.
The reason is that Laskarina, for the first time ever, posted a loss last year. Although this was bolstered by cash reserves, it is no real surprise that Ian Murdoch should not wish to jeopardise any more money by continuing to trade. The blame has been put on pressure from "no-frills" airlines allowing easy DIY holidays, although I would suggest the situation is a little more complex than this - terrorism and heightened security are hardly conducive to the holiday experience, for instance.
Having travelled with "Lasky" for the last 10 or so summers, I would echo the previous correspondent that this is a very sad state of affairs indeed and could well pose a serious threat to the economy of some of the smaller islands.
Coincidentally, we are off to Lipsi (one of the smallest islands that Laskarina went to) later this week and it will be interesting to hear how the Greeks are responding to the news.
Try their web site. It is still functioning. Who told you their had ceased trading?
www.laskarina.co.uk
I have just returned from Tilos, a Greek island where Laskarina have built up a big range of accomodation, and there is consternation there as the locals have been told officially that Laskarina will not be booking next year. Apparently efforts are going on the try and save something. Cheap flights and independent travel was given as the reason - also the co-founder of Laska died recently.
The news is the same from people just returning from Halki. Apparantly the owner is retiring.
It would appear that this sad news is unfortunately true. I have had an e mail from a Friend who spoke to one of the staff in the UK office who confirmed the news. It will be a blow to the economies of some of the smaller islands. We still intend to visit these islands next year and will have to do it independently.
Will though miss the unique comradely of Laskarina.
Wonder why it can't be sold on as a viable concern as I know it has a very loyal following.
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