ALMOST 1,000 Irish holidaymakers affected by the collapse last week of Britain's third largest tour operator have been offered alternative travel arrangements.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) says it has succeeded in organising special flights for the majority of Irish tourists facing the prospect of being stranded following the collapse of XL Leisure Group and its Irish subsidiary, which traded as XL Holidays.

The destinations served by the collapsed tour operator from Ireland included Skiathos, Santorini and Zakynthos in Greece, Palma and Reus in Spain, Faro in Portugal, and the Bulgarian resort of Bourgas.