Merseyside travel agency Usher Travel Service has ceased trading after more than 60 years, citing the “financial burden” stemming from the pandemic.
The agency, based in Wallasey, the Wirral, published a statement on its Facebook page to share the “very difficult news”.
Director Gavin Morton wrote of his “great sadness”, adding: “After trading as an independent travel agent on Wirral for nearly 64 years, Usher Travel Service Ltd has ceased trading.
“For me, personally, after 35 years with the business, this is quite literally one of the most heartbreaking moments of my life.”
The agency traded under the brand Usher Travel Worldchoice.
Abta, which noted the agency ceased trading on October 16, said it was treating the company as a financial failure and offered advice to customers with bookings.
Morton said clients would be contacted “very shortly”, noting bookings would be transferred to the ownership of the relevant tour operators.
He said many of the agency’s loyal clients had become friends of the staff, adding: “The relaxing and fun atmosphere in the office will be something the team will miss in our day to day lives.”
Explaining why the agency ceased trading, he said: “Covid took much away from us and, whilst we came through the other side, three years of heavy travel restrictions and, in many cases, a loss of client confidence in travel, left a financial burden that was becoming more and more difficult to manage.”
