MANTRA GROUP WARNS CONSUMERS AS ANOTHER ONLINE OPERATOR GOES BUST

One of Australia's leading accommodation providers Mantra Group has warned consumers they risked losing their hard-earned money and holiday experiences by booking accommodation online through unlicensed operators.
 
Today liquidators were appointed to another online company, Accommodation 1, operated by Flatworld Trading Pty Ltd, who sold holiday accommodation on the Gold Coast.  Holidaymakers with holidays booked from May 19onwards have been left high and dry.  The company accepted bookings through a website called www.ourholiday.com.au.

This follows the voluntary liquidation of another operator Tailly Pty Ltd being placed in voluntary liquidation two months ago, leaving more than 260 consumers out of pocket to the tune of approximately $300,000.

Mantra Group which operates as an official onsite accommodation manager and letting agent in many of the buildings where Flatworld sold rooms is extending a lifeline to guests who have been left in the lurch by offering a discount of up to 25% on their best available room rate at either the building they booked with Accommodation 1 or at others in their Gold Coast portfolio.

Mantra Group General Manager of Distribution Luke Jamieson says this is an unfortunate reminder to consumers to make sure they are booking through legitimate and official channels.

"Consumers using faceless website operators have no way of knowing the financial circumstances or capabilities of the company and are putting their hard-earned money and holiday experiences at risk by using them," he said.

"If you have any concerns over the legitimacy of the booking, you should contact the property directly to confirm details," Mr Jamieson.


About Mantra Group

Mantra Group is a leading Australian-based manager and marketer of hotels and resorts in Australia and New Zealand. The Group owns and operates three well-known and trusted brands – Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree.

With 15,000 rooms under management, Mantra Group is the second largest accommodation operator within Australia. The Group is positioned to offer accommodation ranging from self-contained apartments to luxurious resorts and retreats. The Group's properties are located in across major tourism destinations in Victoria, Tasmania, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, regional New South Wales, all Australian capital cities and throughout New Zealand.