03/12/2020
❗️ Important Customer Announcement ❗️ Just like you all, we have been following the developments since the Government’s announcement that the regional tier system was returning following the end of the national lockdown. After careful consideration, we have today made the heart-breaking decision to remain closed over the Christmas and New Year period. It was extremely disappointing after all the effort we have made as a nation over the course of this year and more recently over the period of national lockdown to see some many areas being placed into tier 3. Whilst the government advice does allow travel from tier 3 areas, it strongly recommends against it and as a responsible tour operator we made the decision earlier in the year that we would not pick up in these areas. With so many customers currently in tier 3 areas, this means that unfortunately it won’t be possible to operate any tours. Whilst it is possible that the tiers may change on 16 December, with so much uncertainty as to whether this will change, we wanted to give our loyal customers the chance to make alternative arrangements so they can enjoy the festive period. The alternative could have meant cancelling holidays at extremely short notice on the 17 December and we feel that this would be too much of a disappointment to deliver this news to customers so close to Christmas.
We know after the year that everyone has had that this will come as a huge disappointment to many of our customers who were looking forward to getting away over Christmas and it is certainly not a decision we have taken lightly. It is also extremely disappointing for us all here at Alfa Leisureplex given all the work we have put in to making our holidays Covid secure and spreading some joy in what has been a truly awful year. However, we all have to play our part in controlling the virus and keeping everyone safe and the restrictions in place mean it will be impossible for us to deliver that fantastic Alfa Christmas and New Year celebration that you all love so much.
We will be contacting customers who were due to travel in departure date order starting today. We would kindly ask if you can wait for us to make contact with you to go through your options, which include; a full refund, a transfer to another holiday next year, or a financially protected credit note that can be used to book a future holiday in 2021. Please note that due to the national lockdown and our offices being in a Tier 3 area, we are currently working with a limited team and have thousands of customers to contact. Our current office hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 5.30pm (closed Saturday & Sunday). We will do our best to get through these as quickly as possible during these challenging times and thank you for your patience whilst we contact everyone.
In the meantime we have been working on exciting plans to make some improvements to a number of our Leisureplex Hotels whilst we are closed. Please look out for further updates as we share a sneak preview of what you can expect to enjoy next year; after the year we’ve all had we certainly need something to look forward too! With a lot of positive news in the media recently about the progress in medical advances being made, especially yesterday’s news of the first vaccine being approved for roll out in the UK, we are now looking forward to re-opening in the spring with the hope that next year will be a much more positive year for us all.
As always take care and stay safe and we will look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Best Wishes,
Emma Russell
Managing Director
