The coach tour operator confirmed the move in an update posted to its website on Wednesday (20 May). "No new bookings for future travel will be taken until further notice," read the message from the business, signed by managing director Jane Atkins.
Shearings says is also not able to offer refunds at the moment due to the volume of bookings affected by Covid-19 travel restrictions, "in line with current Abta and Bonded Coach Holiday guidelines".
It is asking customers to accept credit instead. "Our holiday credit notes offer the same financial protection as the original holiday you booked," says Shearings. "If you are unable to redeem this credit note by the expiry date, we will contact you to discuss other options.
"We are really sorry but we are not in a position to facilitate a refund right now. The holiday credit note does allow for a refund if it isn’t redeemed by the expiry date. This stance is supported by our trade association Abta."
The message also states all coach holidays and coach holiday credit is protected by the BCH scheme, and all air holidays by the Atol scheme.
Shearings has cancelled all bookings departing up to, and including, 16 June. Customers can transfer their holiday to a later date and receive a 10% discount, if they know what holiday they would like and when they would like to travel.
Those still deciding can choose to receive a credit note to the value of the holiday booked, plus an additional 10% discount. Credit notes are valid until 31 July for departures up to 15 May, or 31 October for departures after 16 May. They can, however, be used towards any 2020 or 2021 holiday.
Customers with bookings from 17 June to 31 August can change their travel date. Balance dates, meanwhile, will be automatically deferred to three weeks before departure to allow customers to wait for more clarity on UK travel guidelines before paying.
Credit notes can be redeemed online, which Shearings has stressed is the simplest and most efficient way to manage bookings.
Atkins also offered an update on the impact of Covid-19 on Shearings operations; the firm’s offices are closed, with contact centre staff working remotely with access to web chat and email. They can make outbound calls, but cannot accept incoming calls.
"Please be patient; if we haven’t contacted you before your original departure date, please do not worry, you will not lose any money, and we will contact you as soon as possible, we are calling out in date of departure order," said Atkins.
"If you do try to contact us by email, please ensure you include your booking reference and your departure date so that we can locate your booking, and please only contact us once.
"We are monitoring all channels, but if you send several emails and messages via different channels it just slows us down further."
