Cancelled our refundable hotel bookings the same day they told us "no refunds possible"
We are a Swiss company (Genny Factory SA) and booked 7 rooms at TRIBE Düsseldorf for the REHACARE 2026 trade fair through Global Travel Partners Ltd (booking ref. 23556, total EUR 7,180). We paid a 25% deposit of EUR 1,795 by bank transfer. On 7 August 2026 we received a letter stating the company had ceased trading, could not fulfil our booking, and was "not in a position to issue refunds" for deposits already paid. Here is what we then verified directly with the hotel: our reservations existed and were refundable. Global Travel Partners cancelled them in the hotel's reservation system on the very same morning of 7 August — and the hotel's refund for those rooms went back to Global Travel Partners, not to us. So while telling clients that no refunds were possible, they were actively recovering money from our bookings for themselves. As of today, Companies House still shows the company as "Active", with no insolvency procedure filed and no insolvency practitioner appointed. We have reported the matter to Action Fraud (Crime Reference Number available) and sent a formal demand for repayment, which has received no response. If you are an exhibitor who booked trade fair accommodation through this company: verify your reservation directly with the hotel immediately, stop any further payments, and report your case to Action Fraud. Book only through the official housing service of the trade fair organiser.
By Luca W.


