In a significant blow to the UK's travel sector, a well-established coach tour operator has announced its immediate closure after more than three decades in business. Gold Crest Holidays, a family-owned firm based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, confirmed it ceased trading on January 23, 2026, and has entered voluntary liquidation.
The End of an Era for a Family-Run Business
Specialising in popular trips to destinations such as Disneyland Paris, European city breaks, and major sporting events, Gold Crest Holidays had built a loyal customer base over its 30-year history. Remarkably, the company was still advertising departures for its 2026 Marvel superhero coach tour earlier this month before the sudden closure announcement.
A Heartfelt Message to Customers
Visitors to the company's website are now greeted with a poignant message that reads: 'After more than 30 years of creating unforgettable holidays, we are deeply saddened to announce that Gold Crest Holidays has ceased trading with immediate effect and has taken steps to enter voluntary liquidation.'
The statement continues: 'This difficult decision follows the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, strategic changes in key partner arrangements that adversely affected our business, and a challenging trading environment with significantly rising costs.'
Expressing gratitude to loyal customers, travel agents, suppliers, and dedicated staff, the company added: 'We are immensely grateful for your support over the years. We are truly sorry we can no longer continue.'
ABTA Steps In to Handle Refunds
Gold Crest Holidays has confirmed that all future departures are cancelled and that the travel association ABTA will manage refunds and provide assistance to affected customers. A statement on ABTA's website reads: 'We are sorry to inform you that Gold Crest Holidays Ltd, also trading as Advent, Advent Tours and Overseas Dream Weddings, ceased trading on 23 January 2026 and we are now treating this company as a financial failure.'
Practical Advice for Affected Travellers
ABTA has issued specific guidance for customers:
- All future package holidays have been cancelled
- Customers holding tickets for certain events should contact event organisers directly as tickets may still be valid
- Travellers will need to make alternative travel and accommodation arrangements
- Those who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent first
- Customers who paid by credit card should download a credit card referral letter and send it to their card issuer for a refund
A Troubled Time for the Travel Industry
The collapse of Gold Crest Holidays follows a worrying pattern of UK travel companies facing financial difficulties. Earlier this month, Regen Central Ltd closed after 17 years of operation, with no refunds expected to be issued. In November, Ickenham Travel Group collapsed into liquidation after running for 55 years.
Interestingly, this trend contrasts with expansion elsewhere in the sector. The UK's largest independent travel agent, Hays Travel, has been aggressively growing its retail portfolio, making its fourth acquisition of the year in November with East Midlands-based Millington Travel.
A Legacy of Customer Satisfaction
Despite its financial troubles, Gold Crest Holidays maintained strong customer satisfaction ratings, boasting an overall score of 4.3 stars on Trustpilot with multiple recent five-star reviews. This makes the company's closure particularly poignant, highlighting how even well-regarded businesses can fall victim to challenging market conditions.
The travel industry continues to navigate a complex landscape of post-pandemic recovery, changing consumer habits, and economic pressures, with Gold Crest Holidays becoming the latest casualty in this evolving sector.
