Awaze to axe James Villas brand risking 40 jobs

Awaze on Monday (30 October) confirmed James Villas, which offered around 600 villas across Europe, had stopped taking bookings, just a few weeks after the brand created a new team dedicated to supporting agents and strengthening relationships with the trade.

A consultation about James Villas’ Maidstone office, the company said, was also under way while affected villa owners were contacted.

According to the group, customers returning on or before 30 November will be unaffected by the brand’s closure, while those set to depart later will be given a full refund, as well as the option to book another Awaze property.

“We have decided to cease trading with James Villas as that model relied on guaranteed inventory,” said chief executive Henrik Kjellberg. 

“James Villas’ core inventory represents less than 1% of our total supply. We will work hard to ensure we minimise the impact on our employees, suppliers and customers.”