Alternative Holidays, the gay-themed events organiser, has revealed that general manager Tony Manson has left the company with immediate effect, forcing the cancellation of its 2009 ski week.

Managing director Gabriele Neroni said Manson had left the firm "to pursue other business interests".

Neroni said he decided to cancel the ski week, which had already been rescheduled from February to March, because he could not guarantee accommodation and entertainment standards.

All customers booked on the 2009 ski week will be transferred to its March 2010 winter event in Pila, Italy. Alternatively, customers can request a full refund.

Neroni said: “After talking to a number of our customers, it has become obvious that the exclusive gay nature of the accommodation and the quality of entertainment are two of the most important features of our events.

“Unfortunately, having taken personal control of this event at such a late stage, I could not personally guarantee our standards in either of these areas.

“In order to ensure continuity and standards during this period of change for Alternative Holidays I have taken personal control of the programme of events and will be looking at a relaunch of ski week 2010 during January 2009.”

Alternative Holidays' summer 2009 event schedule remains unaffected by Manson’s departure.

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