The global pandemic has claimed another victim. Southeast Asia river cruise operator Pandaw has shut down, citing the continuing impact of COVID-19.
Founded in 1995, Pandaw was among the pioneers in river cruising in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and India.
The company said the continued closure of its destinations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and India, as well as the troubled political situation in Myanmar, gave the company "no alternative but to cease its river cruise operations due to the lack of financial liquidity and failure to find additional funding in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis."
"This is a very sad moment for me, my family, our crews and clients," said founder Paul Strachan in a statement. "It marks the end of an era for all of us after 25 years of real adventure. We are also heartbroken for our 300-plus crew members and shoreside personnel who have stood by Pandaw and were hoping to get going again next year."
In a statement, the company said forward bookings for 2022 had been strong, but it doesn't have the funding to keep its 17-ship fleet laid-up for another year or perform essential refurbishments.
Pandaw said the company had "worked tirelessly over the past year to find new investors or other forms of finance to carry the company through, but without success."
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