Cox & Kings, The Americas has suspended operations this week and it's being said in the industry that they are unable to pay suppliers for trips that have already been booked. Although the tour operator is rumored to be in talks with an investor interested in taking over the company, travelers who have already booked trips seem to have just two options at this time
- cancel and apply for a refund
- pay the local suppliers directly then apply for a refund of any deposits and duplicate monies already paid.
The email of journeys@coxandkingsusa.com is given as the point of contact for refunds.
Luxury travel advisors can assist with this process and communication on behalf of our clients.
The release did not say the company has shut down, although its phones are going unanswered and Google listing for its headquarters says it has closed permanently.
The news comes recently after Azamara Cruises has filed suit vs Cox & Kings, The Americas for breach of contract and Virtuoso has removed the company from its preferred standing, citing the financial woes of India-based parent Cox & Kings LLC, which is one of the world’s oldest travel companies.
It also comes on the heels after Cox & Kings, The Americas said its operations were fully independent of the India parent company. (Seems not)
The company also emphasized that "as an active member of USTOA, significant customer protection is required and carried. The business also holds supplemental insurance policies, such as errors & omissions, which are well above industry standards, and does so to offer additional peace of mind to our clients."
The U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) issued a notice this week that Cox & Kings, The Americas was no longer a member. (Wow) & it also noted that claims for lost monies under the organization's Traveler Assistance Program would only cover refunds for trips booked before Oct. 15.
Azamara's suit vs Cox & Kings was filed in federal district court in Miami on Sept. 27, alleging the tour operator took money from its guests for land tours but failed to pay the local providers. While many of the documents related to the suit have been sealed at Azamara's request, the original complaint said losses and damages "well exceed the requisite $75,000 requirement."
(Parts & Edits of article taken from Travel Weekly)