A holiday company that has operated tours and coach shuttle services out of the North East for 45 years has announced that 2024 will be its final year of trading.
Siesta Holidays, based in Middlesbrough, revealed to customers on Tuesday (August 27) that it wouldn't be continuing into 2025 - citing "many factors, mostly outside of our control".
The holiday provider, who organises trips to France and Spain, as well as excursions to Disneyland Paris and other European destinations, posted a statement on social media - revealing the reasons for its closure and a farewell to loyal customers.
People who have booked with them for 2024 will be fine to still travel with the company - but October 19 will be the final date that Siesta Holidays will travel for the summer season, and will also run its Chris and New Year trips for private groups.
The statement on the social media page of the holiday company read: "We know that many of you have been waiting for the launch of our 2025 season and we are so sorry to have to disappoint you, sadly, after 45 seasons of providing coach holidays to France and Spain it has been decided that 2024 will be our last season operating our coach shuttle service.
"For those of you who have a booking in place for 2024 please do not be concerned, your holiday will still go ahead as planned and for those who had hoped to travel with us in 2025, we sincerely hope you can join us on one of our farewell 2024 trips.
Our last departure of the Summer season will be October 19 and we will also run our winter private groups and our Xmas and New Year specials."
Despite the announcement, Siesta Holidays has said that customers can book the lodge self-catering accommodation for the 2025 season via Lifestyle Holidays and a ‘previous Siesta customer’ discount of 10% will apply.
The statement added: "Many factors, mostly outside of our control, have made the coach programme more and more difficult to operate, particularly to the high level of customer care that our loyal customers expect of us.
"Above inflationary rising costs of fuel and channel crossings, essential to providing our package holidays have also made it more challenging to be able to provide the affordable holidays upon which we have built our reputation.
"We would like to take this opportunity of expressing our gratitude to our many thousands of clients who have supported us throughout the years, and particularly those who helped us through the pandemic.
"The loyalty and support of our clients and staff is amazing and very much appreciated."
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