Melksham coach tour operator gearing up for busy year

Melksham Coach Tour Operator Holidays & Cruises is preparing to reopen after a  ‘’challenging” year for the tourism industry. 

The local Coach Tour Operator has launched its 2021/2022 Holidays & Days Away brochure, which includes a full programme of 2022 holidays now on sale.

In line with the government’s roadmap and due to the progress of the vaccine roll out, the company has planned for its coaches to be back on the road with Days Away from Monday, 03rd May and Holiday Tours from Monday, 17th May when hotels can reopen. 

Steve Plummer, who has run the business for the last 10 years said no one anticipated at the start of lockdown 23 March 20 that it would take some 14 months before any semblance of normality would resume. 

“Last year we only operated in January and February, said Steve. “Our low season carries just 10% of our usual passenger numbers in August, September and October while our programme in November was closed but for those determined to still get away we ran again in December.

“Although staff were furloughed, Directors, Sherina and myself continued in the office to maintain a duty of care to all our customers administering all the cancellations due to the pandemic and managing the consequential refunds. 

“Some of our customers have had their tours cancelled multiple times and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your enduring patience whilst we handled these and the many postponements. It has been heartwarming to receive so many kind words and well wishes and most of all the rebooking confidence to be able to resume a full programme from May. 

“Whilst we have had cheery waves of support through the window by customers passing seeing us working, we will be pleased to open our doors to assist with new booking instructions when retailer restrictions are relaxed  and we can reopen on Monday, 12 April. 

“In the meantime please feel free pick up a programme from window box on the front of the shop or view at www.travelclub.coach

“The lengthy pandemic has frustrated everyone’s travel plans thwarting all leisure plans at home and abroad. The travel industry, was brought to its knees for the first time from the fall out of the pandemic and ongoing government policy, but despite this, it will endure.  It has a long history of overcoming adversity that affects consumer confidence; failures, terrorism, natural disasters, weak economy etc but as long as the desire to travel is omnipresent, the industry will preserve and with the introduction of the vaccine passport, Europe etc will be soon be open again for our signature tour  to Austria in the autumn and the winter Christmas Markets.

“For certain, many of our regulars are chomping at the bit to get out on the road and enjoy touring again and for those slightly more hesitant due to shielding concerns, they will hopefully feel more confident to resume travelling again from May knowing that the vaccination programme for the mature population has been successfully comprehensively in take up. 

“Everyone needs something to look forward to and travelling is such a boost to mood and confidence.

“ Most of us are social by nature and enjoy sharing the company of others so if you want to break out from your enforced isolation, we will be very pleased to welcome you on our coach programme of Days Out or Holiday Tours at local pick up points in towns and villages surrounding Melksham.