In a significant blow to the British travel industry, a well-established holiday firm has ceased trading after more than three decades of operation, forcing the immediate cancellation of all future bookings. Gold Crest Holidays Ltd, which also traded under the names Advent, Advent Tours, and Overseas Dream Weddings, has officially entered voluntary liquidation, leaving numerous travellers with disrupted plans.
Long-Standing Family Business Forced to Close
The West Yorkshire-based company, which specialised in European coach tours and popular trips to destinations like Disneyland Paris, confirmed it stopped trading on January 23, 2026. Management attributed the sudden collapse to the lasting financial repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, combined with a severely challenging trading environment. Sharply escalating operational costs and changes to key business partnerships were also cited as critical factors that rendered continued operations unsustainable.
Immediate Impact on Holidaymakers
All future departures under the Gold Crest, Advent, and Overseas Dream Weddings brands have been cancelled entirely. The company, known for organising coach trips to European city breaks and major international sporting events, is now being treated as a financial failure. This development has left many customers, who had booked holidays through the firm, facing disappointment and uncertainty.
Steps for Affected Customers
Customers are advised to take specific actions depending on their booking method:
- Third-Party Bookings: Those who arranged their travel through a third-party travel agent should contact them directly for assistance. These agents will need to coordinate with relevant authorities to provide the necessary information for processing claims.
- Credit Card Payments: Holidaymakers who paid for their trips using a credit card are urged to seek a refund from their card provider immediately. A referral letter can be downloaded to support these claims, aiding in the recovery of lost funds.
Oversight and Refund Process
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) is currently overseeing the refund process for affected customers to ensure they are protected under the financial failure scheme. While some event tickets purchased through the company may remain valid, travellers will need to make their own arrangements for transport and accommodation, adding further complexity to their plans.
This collapse highlights the ongoing struggles within the travel sector, particularly for family-run businesses grappling with post-pandemic economic pressures and rising costs. The loss of Gold Crest Holidays marks the end of an era for a firm that had been a staple in providing affordable European coach tours and specialised holiday packages for over thirty years.
