Dnata Travel Group has shut down its Sunmaster.co.uk brand.

The business, based in Halifax, was established in 1993 and employed 30 people. Many of the staff have been given new roles within the dnata group, a spokesperson told Travel Gossip.

The spokesperson added: “In line with our strategy to simplify our portfolio into core brands that provide a diversified and extensive choice of travel products and services to our UK customers, and to ensure we’re delivering the best possible value for our shareholder, we have announced the decision to cease trading the Sunmaster brand with immediate effect.

“Customers with existing Sunmaster bookings have been advised that their holiday is unaffected and will be fulfilled by Travel Republic.

“We are providing support to affected team members and transferring as many as possible to alternative roles elsewhere in our UK organisation.

“We’d like to thank the Sunmaster team, customers and suppliers for their patience and understanding during this period.” 

Dnata staff were told of the closure in an internal communication sent on behalf of dnata UK CEO Ailsa Pollard and Sunmaster Managing Director Henry Sunley.

The memo, sent on Wednesday, said: “This decision has not been taken lightly, and we are working hard to provide as much support as possible to the Sunmaster team at this difficult time.

“In many cases, they have been offered new positions elsewhere in our organisation – although sadly that has not been possible for all of them, and we will be saying goodbye to several colleagues in the coming days.

“We wish them the best for the future and thank them for their hard work.”

The message continued: “Please be assured that as a group we have emerged from the pandemic in a strong position, have the support and backing of our parent company, and each month are seeing the overall trading picture improve.”