The company went into administration just before Christmas affecting 40,000 holidays and putting 250 jobs at risk.

Administrators said it had been approached by 32 firms potentially interested in taking on some of the holidays already booked.

Several of them have said they wish to visit Travelscope's headquarters.

'Full refunds'

In a letter to Travelscope customers, the administrator said he was looking at the financial and operational position to determine the ongoing viability of the company.

"Regrettably during this time and until further notice, all trading activities have been suspended. For customers who already have a booking for travel to depart on or before 2 January 2008 we can advise these trips have been cancelled,"

But passengers for Travelscope Holiday's cruise on the MV Van Gogh, due to leave Falmouth on 4 January have been told their world trip will go ahead after Abta (Association of British Travel Agents) stepped in.