Cox & Kings, The Americas Ceases Operations

Cox & Kings, The Americas has ceased operations as of Monday, Oct. 14, and will no longer be an U.S. Tour Operator Association (USTOA) member, according to the organization.

Cox & Kings Ltd. of India, one of the oldest travel companies in the world, has fallen behind on $500 million in debt payments. Los Angeles-based Cox & Kings had previously said it is a direct subsidiary of Cox & Kings Travel Ltd, UK, and both were operating as normal.

“Travel agents should be aware that purchases of Cox & Kings, The Americas products made prior to Oct. 15, 2019, may be protected under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. Client deposits and payments thereafter will not be covered by the USTOA program,” said USTOA President and CEO Terry Dale in a statement. 

Passengers who have lost deposits or payments made prior to Oct.15 for travel with Cox & Kings, The Americas may be eligible to file claims for non-performance of their tour under USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program. The claim form and procedure can be found at USTOA.com/travelers-assistance/coxandkingsusa.

In addition to the UK and India businesses, the group includes sister companies in the Japan, and Dubai. The company closed its Australia and New Zealand operations in September.

A series of acquisitions had left Mumbai-based Cox and Kings vulnerable. Recently, the cash-strapped company sold its corporate travel business to on-demand software and e-commerce services Ebix inc’s Indian subsidiary, EbixCash. According to local media reports, Cox & Kings Ltd. canceled European group tours at the last minute earlier this month and put hundreds of employees on notice after a delay in raising funds.