In a significant blow to the UK travel sector, a major holiday operator with over three decades of history has ceased trading with immediate effect. Gold Crest Holidays, based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, has entered voluntary liquidation, cancelling all future departures and leaving customers seeking refunds through ABTA.
A Sudden End to Three Decades of Operation
The family-run coach tour operator, which also traded under the names Advent, Advent Tours and Overseas Dream Weddings, confirmed it stopped operations on January 23, 2026. The company expressed being "deeply saddened" by the decision, which marks the end of more than 30 years of creating holidays for British travellers.
Financial Pressures Prove Insurmountable
In a statement on its website, Gold Crest Holidays cited multiple factors behind the collapse:
- The severe and lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations
- Strategic changes in key partner arrangements that adversely affected business
- A challenging trading environment characterised by sharply escalating costs
The company thanked loyal customers, travel agents, suppliers and dedicated staff for their support throughout its long history, expressing genuine regret at being unable to continue trading.
Immediate Consequences for Holidaymakers
All future holiday packages have been cancelled, with ABTA now treating Gold Crest Holidays as a financial failure. The travel association has issued specific guidance for affected customers:
- Customers who booked through travel agents should contact their agent first
- Those who paid by credit card should download a credit card referral letter and contact their card issuer
- Ticket holders for certain events should contact organisers directly as some tickets may remain valid
- All customers will need to make alternative travel and accommodation arrangements
A Reputation Built on Quality Service
Despite the sudden collapse, Gold Crest Holidays had maintained a strong reputation in the market. The company specialised in trips to Disneyland Paris, European city breaks, and major sporting events, earning predominantly five-star ratings on Trustpilot from satisfied customers over the years.
The liquidation represents another casualty in the challenging post-pandemic travel landscape, where operators continue to grapple with increased operational costs and changing market dynamics. The collapse serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing pressures facing the UK travel industry despite gradual recovery from pandemic restrictions.
