Bristol-based E Thornton & Son Ltd also operated under the Thornton’s Cruise World and Thornton’s Travel Service brands.
“It is with deepest sadness that we announce Thornton’s Travel ceased trading on 30 September 2020,” said a statement on the company’s website.
“We were very proud to have reached our 80th anniversary and would not have achieved this without our amazing staff, suppliers and clients.”
The Abta member was originally founded in 1940 as a shipping agent before launching a separate travel agency a few years later.
“E Thornton & Son Ltd sold different types of holidays,” said Abta in a statement. “It is very important that customers read and follow the advice below depending on the type of booking that you have.
“Customers that have booked a package holiday provided by E Thornton & Son Ltd through a travel agent should contact the travel agent in the first instance for further advice and assistance as they may have made alternative arrangements for you.”
Thornton’s Travel operated locations in Bristol and nearby Chew Valley. The company also specialised in business travel.
The agency was a finalist this year for Luxury Travel Agency of the Year and Travel Designer of the Year at the TTG Luxury Awards.
Originally based in Avonmouth, the business started as a shipping agent for Bristol City, Avonmouth, Cardiff and Newport Docks.
Thornton’s later launched a travel agency in 1948, which operated alongside the shipping business. The agency was run by Reg Taylor who retired in 1979 when Patrick Murphy took over as managing director.
The agency’s activities included chartering aircraft including Boeing 707s and Concorde for special trips.
Murphy’s wife Carol continued to run the business after his death in 2011 and four years ago Sarah Kelley and Lee Morse acquired a majority shareholding in the business.
