In a significant development for UK holidaymakers, a prominent travel agency specialising in transatlantic trips has abruptly ceased trading, leaving its website completely inaccessible. Simply Florida Travel Ltd, a Glasgow-based operator, officially stopped trading as an authorised ATOL holder on January 20, as confirmed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Immediate Cessation and Website Shutdown
The Civil Aviation Authority has formally listed the company on its ATOL failures page, noting that it traded under the name Simply Florida Travel. The agency's primary digital presence, the website www.simplyfloridatravel.com, is no longer operational, severing a key channel for customer communication and bookings.
All Bookings Cancelled
Reports indicate that all flights and package holidays booked through Simply Florida Travel have been cancelled with immediate effect. The company offered a diverse range of destinations, including major attractions like Disneyland, Disney World, Universal Studios, New York, Toronto, and Niagara Falls, alongside various cruise packages. This sudden closure has undoubtedly disrupted travel plans for numerous customers anticipating holidays to these popular locations.
Company Dissolution Timeline
According to official records from Companies House, Simply Florida Travel Ltd filed to be struck off the register on October 13, 2025. The company was subsequently dissolved on January 6 this year, culminating in its complete cessation of trading as an ATOL holder just two weeks later on January 20. The ATOL scheme is a critical consumer protection measure that guarantees customers receive refunds if a travel company collapses, highlighting the importance of this regulatory status.
Franchise Arrangement and Customer Guidance
Simply Florida Travel Ltd operated under a franchise arrangement with The Travel Trust Association (TTA). In light of the company's failure, the Civil Aviation Authority advises any affected customers to contact the TTA directly for assistance and potential recourse regarding their cancelled bookings.
A Trend of Travel Agency Failures
This incident is not an isolated case within the UK travel sector. Recent months have witnessed a concerning pattern of travel agencies ceasing operations. Notably, the Ickenham Travel Group ceased trading as an ATOL holder on November 20, as announced by the CAA. This London-based company, which operated for an impressive 55 years, collapsed into liquidation, trading under various names including Abu Dhabi Holidays, Ras Al Khaimah Holidays, and Letsgo2, with multiple associated websites.
Earlier this year, Regen Central Ltd, a Hertfordshire-based firm specialising in flights and hotel packages since its founding in 2009, also ceased trading after 17 years of operation. Disturbingly, no refunds were set to be issued following its collapse. The company had previously operated across Europe, South East Asia, and the Middle East, indicating the broad impact of such failures.
These consecutive closures underscore a challenging period for the travel industry, with multiple agencies succumbing to financial pressures. Customers are urged to remain vigilant and ensure their bookings are protected under schemes like ATOL, especially when planning holidays with smaller or specialised travel operators.
