Conquest ceases operations

Oh dear -- another sign of the economic times...

Conquest ceases operations
By DON PEAT, Sun media

Conquest Vacations has been vanquished by the economic downturn.

The 37-year-old company announced on its website today that it has ceased tour operations effective immediately leaving would-be tourists scrambling to get refunds on booked vacations.
A statement on the website blamed overcapacity and an ongoing price war among the major tour operators along with "unreasonable demands by the credit card processing companies."

The company also blamed the economic downturn for making it impossible for Conquest to continue in business, "even after weathering many storms over the past 37 years."

"Customers who are booked and paid using cash/check through a travel agency are requested to contact their respective agency who will assist you with respect to a refund or claim," the company states. "Customers who have booked directly with Conquest Vacations will be contacted or should they wish to contact Conquest, please email to directcustomers@conquestvacations.com with a booking reference number."

The company advises anyone that booked future travel by credit card to contact their credit card company for a refund.