In a significant blow to the UK travel sector, a prominent holiday and travel operator with three decades of history has ceased trading with immediate effect. Gold Crest Holidays, based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, has announced its entry into voluntary liquidation, cancelling all forthcoming departures and leaving customers seeking refunds.
End of an Era for Long-Standing Travel Firm
The company, which had been operating for over 30 years, cited a combination of severe challenges as reasons for its collapse. In an official statement, the directors expressed deep sadness at the decision, attributing it to the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, unfavourable changes in key partner arrangements, and a difficult trading environment marked by substantially rising operational costs.
"After more than 30 years of creating unforgettable holidays, we are deeply saddened to announce that Gold Crest Holidays has ceased trading with immediate effect and has taken steps to enter voluntary liquidation," the statement read. "We are immensely grateful to our loyal customers, travel agents, suppliers, and dedicated staff for your support over the years. We are truly sorry we can no longer continue."
Immediate Impact on Bookings and Customer Guidance
All future holiday departures organised by Gold Crest Holidays have been cancelled. The company has directed affected customers to the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) for assistance, as its ABTA bond provides financial protection for consumers.
ABTA has confirmed it will handle the process for refunds and support. Customers are advised to contact ABTA via phone at 0203 758 8730 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or through its dedicated failures webpage. When making contact, individuals should have their booking reference and proof of payment readily available to expedite the process.
Refund Procedures for Different Payment Methods
ABTA has outlined specific steps for customers depending on their original payment method:
- Credit Card Payments: Customers who booked and paid using a credit card are instructed to download a credit card referral letter from the ABTA website and submit it directly to their credit card issuer to initiate a refund claim.
- Alternative Payment Methods: For those who paid by any other means, such as debit card or bank transfer, a claim for a refund must be submitted directly to ABTA via its official online claims portal.
The travel firm's statement concluded with an apology for the disappointment and inconvenience caused, assuring customers that ABTA would provide clear and structured support throughout the claims process. "We apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience caused. ABTA will provide clear support to affected customers," the directors stated, signing off with sincere regret and their ABTA identification number: V1341.
Information for Creditors and Suppliers
Separately, creditors and suppliers to Gold Crest Holidays have been directed to contact the appointed corporate recovery firm, Xeinadin Corporate Recovery Limited. They can reach out by telephone on 0161 832 6221 or via email at corporaterecovery@xeinadin.com to obtain information regarding the submission of claims.
This collapse underscores the ongoing pressures within the travel industry, highlighting how post-pandemic recovery, shifting commercial partnerships, and inflationary cost pressures continue to challenge even long-established operators.
