Tourist accommodations in Turkey raise rates for visitors following the bankruptcy of a tour operator, impacting vacationers significantly.
In a sudden turn of events, Mixx Travel, a popular Swedish tour operator, declared bankruptcy on July 31, 2025, leaving approximately 1,300 travelers stranded across Europe[2]. This unexpected move has caused a significant inconvenience for many vacationers, with Steffen Schei from Oslo stating that the new travel costs for returning home are usually much higher, amounting to around 19,000 Norwegian Kroner - approximately 1,700 euros[1].
The insolvency of Mixx Travel has also affected the company's employees, with 12 employees in Sweden potentially entitled to compensation for the sudden employment loss[1]. However, there is no clear information on whether other travel agencies or hotels are also affected by this situation.
Insurance Coverage for Return Journey
While there are no specific details on how insurance is covering return journey costs for Swedish tourists stranded in Turkey and Greece, typically, travel insurance policies may cover such expenses under certain conditions, such as trip interruption or cancellation due to the bankruptcy of a tour operator. However, the specifics would depend on the terms and conditions of the individual insurance policies held by the travelers.
Travelers are advised to contact their insurance providers directly for specific guidance on insurance coverage and return journey costs. Ercan Secilmis, the company owner, emphasized that the company's insurance will cover the return journey for stranded vacationers.
Next Steps for Travelers
In this challenging situation, travelers should take the following steps:
- Contact Authorities: Travelers should contact relevant consumer protection agencies, such as Kammarkollegiet in Sweden and the Competition and Consumer Authority in Finland, to understand the process for filing claims.
- Review Insurance Policies: Check the details of any travel insurance policies to see if they cover return journey costs in this situation.
- Seek Assistance: Contact local authorities or embassies in Turkey and Greece for potential assistance with return travel arrangements.
Many affected travelers are stressed due to the uncertainty caused by the insolvency of Mixx Travel. Some, like Sara Helene Lund-Tønnesen, have reported that their hotels are demanding 'double' payment in addition to what they already paid to Mixx Travel. Elvan Gunes, manager of the Bilkay Hotel in Alanya, stated that the hotel had given 33 of its 60 rooms to Mixx Travel customers but had not received any payments from the tour operator.
Affected travelers may have to find a new return flight due to the cancellation of their original bookings by Norwegian. Additionally, residents in a tourist resort in Turkey have to do without water for up to ten hours a day due to an extreme heat wave, causing water supplies to dwindle[3].
The deadline for compensation applications is three months after the cancellation of the trip becomes known. It is crucial for travelers to submit their applications promptly to maximise their chances of receiving compensation.
Currently, there are no specific updates on the situation of Swedish tourists stranded in Turkey and Greece directly related to the bankruptcy of MixxTravel. However, this developing story is a reminder of the importance of having comprehensive travel insurance and being prepared for unexpected circumstances.
[1] Source 1
[2] Source 2
[3] Source 3
The bankruptcy of Mixx Travel has not only left travelers in a difficult situation, requiring them to seek assistance from local authorities, embassies, and insurance providers, but it has also affected the company's employees, potentially entitling some to compensation for their sudden employment loss. Moreover, this unfortunate event has shed light on the need for thorough financial planning in business operations, as the consequences of sudden market changes can be far-reaching and impact not only the profitability of a company but also the lifestyle of those it employs and serves.
