On July 20, 2026, the company, which had been sending tourists on vacation for 26 years, announced bankruptcy. In their statement, the management explained that they could no longer fulfill their financial obligations to partners and clients. Let's look at what happened and how those who were supposed to fly with Solvex should act.
What happened to the tour operator?
Cestovná kancelária Solvex officially announced its insolvency, stating that the decision was made "after exhausting all available options to preserve the company's operations."
Among the main reasons for bankruptcy, the company cited several factors:
- Significant price increases for fuel and tourist services.
- Pressure from competitors, which forced them to keep prices low for clients.
- Bankruptcy of a key foreign partner, which was the last straw.
The company mainly specialized in vacations in Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece, with a long history in the Slovak market.
What should clients whose tours are canceled do?
The most important question for clients is: will they get their money back? Fortunately, the activities of tour operators in Slovakia are regulated by law, which requires mandatory insurance in case of bankruptcy (poistenie proti úpadku).
The Slovak Association of Travel Agencies (SACKA) confirmed that Solvex had such insurance. The insurance partner is Colonnade Insurance S.A., and the amount of insurance coverage is 2.55 million euros. This means that clients have the full right to compensation.
If you have not yet flown on vacation:
- Gather documents. You will need a copy of the travel contract and all payment confirmations (bank statements, receipts).
- Fill out the form. You need to download and fill out the insurance claim form from the Colonnade insurance company's website.
- Submit your application. Send the completed form along with copies of your documents to the insurance company by email to likvidacia@colonnade.sk or by regular mail.
If you are already on vacation: For clients who find themselves abroad, the assistance service Global Assistance is available. Its task is to help with accommodation and organize a safe return to Slovakia.
How to protect yourself in the future?
The bankruptcy of even experienced market players reminds us of the importance of checking a tour operator before buying a tour. Here are a few tips:
- Check membership in SACKA. The association brings together trusted tour operators and agencies.
- Ask for the insurance certificate. Every tour operator is required to have a valid insurance certificate for insolvency and provide it upon request.
- Read reviews. Look for recent reviews on independent platforms, not just on the company's website.
- Pay by card. In case of problems, paying by card gives you a chance to get your money back through the chargeback procedure with your bank.
