A UK travel company has been forced to close after 23 years in business. Salamander Voyagers entered its administration earlier this month after providing luxury holidays for its customers for over two decades.
The company specialised in selling private boat holidays to top destinations, including Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Croatia. However, after significant changes across the industry, the company was forced to close. Its website reads: “After 23 years of wonderful sailing in the Aegean Sea, we are very sad to announce Salamander Voyages has taken the difficult decision to close its doors.”
Several other travel agents have also had to close recently, and according to experts, AI and ‘DIY’ bookings are the main contributors to the collapses seen across the wider industry.
Beverley Boden, a tourism and aviation specialist, told the Daily Mail: “While some consumers turn to agents for advice, many have become confident in navigating complex travel options themselves
“AI has become a virtual personal travel agent making planning and booking faster and easier, reducing the perceived need for a ‘person’ to help.”
The internet and AI have allowed customers to take on the role of travel agents, comparing prices for flights, hotels, and transfers, and creating a whole itinerary at the click of a button.
However, Ms Boden has argued that “the overwhelming volume of internet information” has led some customers to return to travel agents to ensure they receive expert advice.
It comes as online scams targeting the travel industry are also on the rise, with Action Fraud noting that holidaymakers lost over £11 million to holiday fraud in 2024, accounting for an average loss of £1,844 per traveller.
According to the expert, younger people are returning to travel agents in a bid to “seek authentic experience”.
She notes that AI can never match the tailored advice that comes from a travel agent.
