UK Travel Company Asiara Ceases Trading, Leaving Customers Stranded
A prominent travel company that offered bespoke holiday packages to sought-after destinations across Asia has been dissolved, resulting in the cancellation of all tours and flights for its customers. Asiara UK Ltd, based in Ipswich, has ceased trading, leaving passengers in a state of uncertainty after the firm was officially struck off the Companies House register earlier this year.
Company History and Dissolution Details
Originally known as Haivenu Tours, the company operated with offices in both Northern and Southern Vietnam before expanding to the United Kingdom under the name Asiara Holidays in 2022. According to official records from Companies House, Asiara UK Ltd filed to be struck off and dissolved in October of last year. The company was subsequently removed from the register on January 6, with dissolution finalised on January 13. It then ceased trading as an ATOL holder on January 21, directly impacting customers who had booked flights and tours.
The company specialised in small group tours and customised holiday packages to popular Asian destinations including Thailand, China, India, Japan, and Singapore. Its closure has left many travellers without their planned holidays, prompting concerns and inquiries from affected customers.
ATOL Protection and Refund Guarantees
Fortunately, the company operated under the Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) scheme, which provides crucial financial protection to consumers. ATOL guarantees that customers will receive full refunds in the event of a company's collapse, offering a significant peace of mind for those who book through protected firms. All reputable tour companies are required to maintain ATOL protection, ensuring a safety net for holidaymakers.
Asiara UK Ltd operated through a franchise arrangement with Protected Trust Services (PTS), as detailed on the ATOL website. PTS emphasises that its members offer comprehensive protection from the moment of booking until travellers return home, with a shared mission to keep consumers safe. The organisation states that whether booking a short weekend break or an extensive round-the-world cruise, customer funds are fully protected under its scheme.
Contact Information for Affected Customers
Customers who require assistance regarding bookings made with Asiara UK Ltd are advised to contact Protected Trust Services directly. The designated point of contact is Emma Collis, Managing Director of PTS, who can be reached via email at emma.collis@protectedtrustservices.com. PTS will manage the refund process and provide support to those impacted by the company's dissolution.
Emma Collis confirmed to Travel Gossip that Asiara was operating tours to Vietnam but had decided to wind down its business from August last year, culminating in its official dissolution two weeks ago, as reported by National World.
Broader Context of Travel Industry Challenges
This collapse occurs amidst a challenging period for the travel sector, highlighted by the recent closure of another well-known firm, Gold Crest Holidays. Based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, this family-run coach tour operator ceased trading after over three decades in business. The company, which also operated under the names Advent, Advent Tours, and Overseas Dream Weddings, specialised in trips to Disneyland Paris, European city breaks, and major sporting events.
Gold Crest Holidays cited a combination of financial pressures as the reason for its closure, including the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, changes to key business arrangements, and a difficult trading environment exacerbated by sharply rising costs. The firm announced on its website on January 23 that it had stopped trading with immediate effect and expressed deep sadness at entering voluntary liquidation.
All future departures for Gold Crest Holidays have been cancelled, with the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) managing the refund process for affected customers. The company thanked its customers, travel agents, suppliers, and staff for their loyalty over the years, acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances that led to its demise.
The consecutive closures of Asiara UK Ltd and Gold Crest Holidays underscore the ongoing volatility within the travel industry, where companies face mounting economic challenges and shifting consumer demands. Customers are reminded to always verify ATOL protection when booking holidays to safeguard against such unforeseen collapses.
