Travel Time World director Ashley Quint took to LinkedIn to express his dissatisfaction. “We were one of Classic Collection's highest selling single-shop branches – the team there were great: Nick, Andrew, Vanda, Sophie.
“However, On the Beach completely decimated a once-great brand and formed it into something that was completely unrecognisable.” Posting to TTG's Facebook page, he added: "The Classic Collection of now isn't the one we knew and loved."
Darren F Morris-Spruce said: “To me, it’s a rubbish comment that they haven’t seen the growth in B2B bookings – what have they specifically done to drive business? I haven’t seen a rep for years.
“Classic Collection was never the same [after] it was purchased. I feel sorry for the staff who have put their soul into this business. A great shame for a great trusted brand at the end of the day.”
Peter Bucknell said: “Unbelievable – such a good operation. I guess cheap and cheerful is their [On the Beach's] market!," while Isla Stenning MacCallum added simply: “Very sad, another institution gone.”
'Stark and sobering reminder'
John Sullivan, Advantage Travel Partnership commercial director, said: "Today will be a very sad day for everyone at Classic Collection and the UK travel agency community generally. Our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies are with all the dedicated staff members who will have been affected by this difficult development.
"It is always deeply unfortunate to witness the departure of such well-established and respected travel brands, especially Classic who was always incredibly trade focused and supportive of the industry. This closure serves as a stark and sobering reminder that we operate in a fast-paced industry which continues to face significant and persistent challenges that affect even the most established operators."
On the Beach on Wednesday (24 September) said it had taken a strategic decision "to commence and orderly wind down" of its B2B segment.
Classic will take no further bookings, but will continue to support agents with any existing bookings. A total of 26 Classic Collection colleagues will now enter into collective consultation with the group.
'Thank you for your support'
Classic Collection thanked agents in an email distributed to trade partners on Wednesday morning (24 September). “Thank you for your support of Classic Collection over the years,” the email read.
“Following a strategic review, we’ve taken the difficult decision to commence an orderly wind down of Classic Collection, and the discontinuation of our B2B operations.
“At On the Beach, we have an ambitious strategy for growth and stretching medium term targets. Successful delivery of these depends on strategic prioritisation – choosing what to deliver and how to deliver it.
“Over the last 18 months, we've made significant improvements to our B2B technology and proposition, however we've not been able to deliver sufficient growth to sustain the continued investment required.
“We've therefore made the difficult decision to commence a wind down of Classic Collection and focus on our B2C business, On the Beach, where there are the strongest opportunities for growth.”
More: What happened to Classic Collection after it was acquired by On The Beach? A timeline
The OTA continued: “Our priority is now on supporting our colleagues, trade partners and their customers as we wind down the business and operations. If you have any specific questions about an existing booking, our Pre-Travel team are here to help. Please get in touch with them in the usual way.
“We’re committed to supporting you throughout the wind down of operations and making this transition as smooth as possible for you and your customers.”
On the Beach said its teams will continue to support agent partners with existing Classic Collection bookings.
All travel documentation already issued remains valid and amends, cancellations and refunds will proceed as normal in the usual way. A team will remain in place to support agents’ clients before, during, and after their travel.
Classic Collection Holdings, however, is no longer accepting new bookings, this includes quotes already issued.
The Classic Collection website was offline on Wednesday morning.
'Very sad day'
Nick Munday, Classic's former owner and managing director, told TTG he was "disappointed" by the decision to shutter the operator after 37 years.
"It's very sad for the hundreds of people who worked tirelessly and skilfully to make it the multi-award-winning luxury brand it became," said Munday. "Many travel agents and hotel partners who supported Classic Collection Holidays will also be sorry to hear the news.
"Having retired from the industry several years ago, I no longer have any connection with On the Beach, so cannot comment on their decision. But I would like to take the opportunity to thank all my former colleagues, as well as the travel partners who supported us, for their passion and the commitment they brought to the business."
