UK Travel Industry in Turmoil as Multiple Firms Face Liquidation in 2026
The UK travel sector is experiencing significant distress, with several prominent companies going bust in recent months. As jet fuel prices soar and international travel remains mired in uncertainty, experts warn that many more businesses could face a similar fate. When these collapses occur, bookings are cancelled, and holidaymakers risk financial loss if their packages fall outside protective schemes like ATOL.
Recent Collapses Highlight Industry Challenges
In April 2025, Balkan Holidays, a firm with nearly 60 years of operation, shut down, cancelling trips to destinations such as Croatia, Montenegro, and Malta. Two months later, Great Little Escapes, known for package holidays to iconic cities in Italy and the Balearics, followed suit. More recently, in January 2026, Regen Central Ltd went into liquidation. This agency, which sold flight and hotel packages for Europe and Southeast Asia, left customers without refunds, underscoring the vulnerabilities in the market.
Key Firms Facing Liquidation in 2026
Here is a detailed look at UK travel firms that have ceased trading or are at risk in 2026, along with guidance for affected consumers. This list will be updated regularly, so check back before making travel plans.
Gold Crest Holidays
ABTA protected? Yes. Gold Crest Holidays, a family-run coach operator based in West Yorkshire, ceased trading on January 23, 2026. The company, which had organised coach trips across the UK and Europe for 30 years, cancelled all future trips immediately. In a statement, they cited the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in partner arrangements, and rising costs as reasons for the closure. ABTA has provided advice on their website for affected customers.
Asiara UK
ATOL protected? Yes. Originally known as Haivenu Tours, Asiara UK rebranded in 2022 and offered tours across Asia, including Thailand, China, India, Japan, and Singapore. The Ipswich-based business ceased trading as an ATOL holder on January 21, 2026. Protected Trust Services noted that the company had no forward bookings at closure, suggesting a managed wind-down. This minimised disruption for travellers.
Simply Florida
ATOL protected? Yes. Simply Florida, a Glasgow-based agency specialising in holidays to Disneyland, Disney World, Universal Studios, New York, Toronto, Niagara Falls, and cruises, officially ceased trading on January 20, 2026. After filing to be removed from the Companies House register in October 2025, the closure led to cancelled trips. As holidays were ATOL protected, customers are entitled to full refunds.
Regen Central Ltd
ATOL protected? Previously yes, but no outstanding protected bookings. London-based Regen Central Ltd went into liquidation on January 13, 2026. Founded in Hertfordshire in 2007, the company sold flight and hotel packages for Europe and Southeast Asia. ATOL confirmed no outstanding protected bookings, meaning no refunds will be issued via ATOL. The ATOL failures page clarified that accommodation-only or non-flight packages are not covered.
Understanding ATOL and ABTA Protection
Both ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licensing) and ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) offer financial protection for UK travellers if a company collapses. ATOL covers flight-based holidays, assisting with refunds and repatriation if stranded abroad. ABTA covers non-flight holidays, such as those involving trains, cruises, or road travel, and helps with complaints and refunds. Regardless of protection, always secure travel insurance for comprehensive coverage.
According to Citizens Advice, you are entitled to a full refund if a company cancels your holiday. ATOL protection refunds the package cost but excludes separately booked elements like car hire. While ATOL may occasionally arrange alternative operators, this is rare and not guaranteed, as noted by Money Saving Expert. The UK Civil Aviation Authority advises checking their website for steps if your travel company ceases trading.
Broader Industry Impact
The crisis extends beyond the UK, with major European players also affected. For instance, Revo Hospitality Group, Europe's largest hotel operator with over 260 hotels across 12 countries, declared insolvency on January 16, 2026. Citing an economic crisis, the group filed for insolvency in Germany and Austria, though hotels continue operating with court-appointed administrators. This highlights the widespread challenges in the travel and hospitality sectors.
Consumers are urged to stay informed and proactive. Check ATOL and ABTA statuses before booking, and monitor updates on firm closures. If your operator is on a liquidation list, contact relevant protection schemes immediately for guidance on refunds and alternatives.
