Six UK travel firms have ceased trading so far in 2026, cancelling all bookings and leaving many holidaymakers out of pocket unless covered by ATOL protection. The challenging economic climate, exacerbated by the Middle East conflict and rising jet fuel prices, has pushed these companies to the brink.
Groupia Ltd Enters Administration
Groupia Ltd, which organised group trips for stag and hen dos, weekend adventures, and spa days across the UK and Europe, entered administration on June 16. The company, trading as Groupia Golf, GoHen, StagWeb, Groupia School Trips, and Company Away Days, has ceased taking new bookings. Arrangements with ABTOT are in place to support customers with existing bookings, but those after September 1, 2026, will be cancelled and subject to refund claims.
Joint administrators Nigel Fox and Christopher Marsden of S&W Partners LLP were appointed. The company stated: "Groupia Ltd entered Administration on 16 June 2026... The Company has now ceased taking new bookings, and arrangements are in place with ABTOT to support customers with existing bookings."
Regen Central Ltd Liquidated Without Refunds
At the start of the year, Regen Central Ltd went into liquidation, cancelling all trips without refunds. Founded in Hertfordshire in 2011 before moving to London, the firm lost its ATOL protection on January 13. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed no outstanding ATOL-protected bookings existed, and accommodation-only, non-flight, or flight-only bookings were not protected.
Gold Crest Holidays Shuts Down After 30 Years
On January 23, British coach operator Gold Crest Holidays ceased trading with immediate effect, cancelling all future trips. The family-owned West Yorkshire firm, which had operated for 30 years, blamed rising costs. A statement on its website read: "After more than 30 years of creating unforgettable holidays, we are deeply saddened to announce that Gold Crest Holidays has ceased trading... This difficult decision follows the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, strategic changes in key partner arrangements, and a challenging trading environment with significantly rising costs." The company entered voluntary liquidation in March, according to Companies House filings.
Asiara UK and Simply Florida Cease Operations
Asiara UK, formerly Haivenu Tours, launched in 2022 offering packages to Asian destinations like China, Thailand, and India. It ceased trading on January 21, but no current bookings were affected as the Ipswich business had no future bookings at the time, according to the Protected Trust Services. The firm was dissolved via voluntary strike-off on January 23.
Simply Florida, a Glasgow-based travel agent specialising in trips to Disneyland Paris, DisneyWorld Florida, Universal Studios, New York, Niagara Falls, Toronto, and cruises, filed to be removed from Companies House in October 2025 and formally ceased trading on January 20.
Salamander Voyages Collapses Despite Celebrity Backing
In April, luxury UK holiday firm Salamander Voyages, based in Belfast, closed after plunging into administration. It offered private sailing holidays in Turkey, Greece, Croatia, and Italy, and had celebrity backing, with BBC Strictly host Claudia Winkleman among clients. Holidaymakers with booked trips saw them cancelled, but as the firm was ATOL protected, refunds should have been issued.
