THOUSANDS of British holidaymakers were hastily trying to rearrange their travel plans today after a tour operator collapsed.

Around 16,000 tourists were abroad when Greece and Turkey specialist Goldtrail went into administration yesterday, the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed.

An estimated 2,000 UK customers were due to travel with the budget holiday company this weekend as the summer holiday season gets under way.

Authorities sought to reassure holidaymakers that they could claim back money lost on bookings while alternative flights and accommodation were also available.

The CAA said it was making arrangements to fly customers home at the end of their holiday under its ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licensing) scheme.

But no outbound Goldtrail flights were running from UK airports and people planning to set off on holiday were advised to check first, it added.

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In a statement issued on its website last night, the aviation regulator said: "The CAA has taken steps to protect customers booked with Goldtrail Travel Limited after the company ceased trading this evening.

"Goldtrail Travel Ltd, trading as Goldtrail Holidays, Goldtrail Travel and Sunmar, held ATOL licence 4684 and was based in New Malden, Surrey. It operated flights and holiday packages from many UK airports to Turkey and Greece. It sold mainly through travel agents.

"The CAA, under its ATOL scheme, is making arrangements for customers abroad to travel home at the end of their holidays."

The majority of flights home from Turkey will operate as normal, the CAA said.

However, holidaymakers in Greece were warned to expect changes to flights and are advised to check with representatives at local airports.

The CAA said there were no more outbound Goldtrail flights and advised customers due to fly with the failed operator to check with their travel agent before leaving for the airport.

Goldtrail was a medium-sized independent tour operator with around 150,000 customers in total, according to Abta spokesman Sean Tipton.

Those abroad should be able to continue their holidays as normal, he said, because the CAA will rearrange flights as well as hotels booked in a Goldtrail package under the Atol bonding scheme.

"If you are due to travel it’s a different matter," he said. "Anything you have booked through Goldtrail is cancelled.

"Money paid will be subject to a claim through the CAA.

"If people’s summer holiday has been cancelled they would need to rebook their arrangements.

"But there is still some availability in Greece and Turkey.

"If people booked through an Abta travel agent they will probably be looking into that already."

Andrew Jackson, from Lindley, said he and his partner had been due to fly out to Turkey at the start of August with Goldtrail.

He added: "I saw it on the TV on Saturday morning and couldn't believe it. I rang up my travel agent who advised me on what forms to fill in to get a refund and I've been able to book a different flight out with someone else.

"I'm lucky I've got the cash to do this and a couple of weeks to get it sorted, but I feel sorry for those people who can't. I just hope something gets sorted - but it makes you nervous about booking any holiday."

Rochelle Turner from Which? Holiday said: "This is more bad news for British tourists, just when we thought the travel industry was back on its feet following the volcanic ash disruption.

"Once again we are reminded of how important it is to ensure you’re protected in case something go wrong with your holiday.

"Those who booked with Goldtrail are covered by Atol bonding, so the CAA will be taking steps to get them home.

"Those who have booked with Goldtrail but haven’t yet flown will get their money back, but this may take some time."

Goldtrail customers can call the CAA on 0203 4410846 for information or click here.