8 UK travel companies closing forever in 2026: full list

Eight UK travel companies have closed permanently in 2026, dealing a significant blow to holidaymakers and the travel industry. The closures range from small specialist operators to established firms with decades of history, with reasons including the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising costs, and strategic challenges.

First closure: Regen Central Ltd

Regen Central Ltd, based in Hertfordshire, was the first to cease trading on January 13. The company, which sold flights and hotel packages to destinations in Europe, South East Asia, and the Middle East, entered liquidation after its ATOL protection was revoked by the Civil Aviation Authority. All future trips were cancelled.

Gold Crest Holidays and Simply Florida Travel

Gold Crest Holidays, a family-owned coach tour operator with over 30 years of experience, ceased trading on January 23 after entering voluntary liquidation. In a statement, the company attributed the closure to "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."

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Simply Florida Travel Ltd, a Glasgow-based independent travel firm, permanently ceased trading on January 20, cancelling all booked flights and holiday packages.

Asiara UK Ltd and Salamander Voyages

Asiara UK Ltd, based in Ipswich, offered tailor-made and small-group tours to Thailand, China, India, Japan, and Singapore. It ceased trading as an ATOL holder on January 21.

Salamander Voyages, a luxury holiday company based in Belfast, closed after 23 years in business. The company offered exclusive private and single-cabin gulet charters across the Mediterranean and Aegean. It entered administration on April 22, with Scott Murray and Ian Davison of Keenan Corporate Finance Ltd appointed as Joint Administrators. The company stated: “After 23 years of wonderful sailing in the Aegean Sea, we are very sad to announce Salamander Voyages has taken the difficult decision to close its doors.”

Strachan Travel Ltd and Groupia Ltd

Strachan Travel Ltd, based in Lancashire and operating for over 40 years, entered voluntary liquidation. Winding-up resolutions were recorded on June 11, and liquidators were officially appointed on June 16.

Groupia Ltd and its subsidiaries, including StagWeb and GoHen, formally entered administration on June 16, halting all new bookings.

Global Vision International (GVI)

Exeter-based Global Vision International (GVI), a volunteer and conservation travel operator founded in 1998, ceased trading and entered liquidation on July 1. A statement on its website read: "For nearly three decades, GVI has been far more than just an organisation. It has been a global family with a shared vision, dedicated to making a sustainable difference in our world. It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we share today that GVI is closing its doors. The business will now enter a formal liquidation process. This is a deeply sad conclusion to a remarkable journey, but we look back with immense pride and gratitude for everything we achieved together."