A British travel agent did just that gone bankrupt after almost 20 years in business, in what is proving to be a nightmare year for the holiday industry.
Barnes Worldwide Travel opened in 2007 as an independent travel agency based in Liverpool, but ceased trading on September 9 and has become the latest casualty in an increasingly precarious climate for holiday companies.
The company had offered trips to destinations around the world including Turkey, Goa, Spain, Japan and America.
The website of the Abta-linked travel agency has already been taken offline, with the travel company advising customers who have booked trips through them to check their paperwork.
“If you have booked a flight-inclusive holiday, the tour operator or other main travel company will be listed on your ATOL certificate under ‘Who protects your trip’,” the travel trade association said.
Abta also advised contacting the ‘credit checking department of your tour operator or other main travel company with which you have a contract’ to ensure your holiday goes ahead as planned.
After almost twenty years of sending tourists to destinations such as Turkey (pictured), Goa and Spain, Barnes Worldwide Travel announced this week that it is joining
“Your booking should continue as normal and they will be your direct point of contact,” the message continued.
However, Barnes Worldwide Travel Ltd isn’t the only independent agent to go bankrupt this year; 2026 appears to be particularly difficult for the industry.
These are the other travel companies that have fallen victim to the difficult current climate…
Rain Central
On January 13, Regen Central Ltd ceased trading after 17 years of selling flights and hotel packages.
The company was founded in Hertfordshire in 2009 and previously operated in Europe, South East Asia and the Middle East.
It was based in London and also traded as One Haji and Umrah, Regen Travels and Oneworld Travels.
It also conducted operations through its websites regentravels.com, oneworld-travels.com and onehajjumrah.com.
Simply Florida Travel
Meanwhile Just Florida Travel Ltd ceased trading as an Air Travel Organiser’s License (ATOL) holder on January 20 this year.
The company, based in Glasgow, traded as Simply Florida Travel and also operated through the website www.simplyfloridatravel.com.
The company’s destinations included Disneyland, Disney World, Universal Studios, New YorkToronto and Niagara Falls, as well as cruises.
According to Companies House records, Simply Florida Travel applied to be struck off the register on October 13, 2025.
It was subsequently dissolved on January 6, 2026. On January 20, it ceased operations as an ATOL holder.
Asiara UK
Asiara UK Ltd ceased operations as an ATOL holder on January 21 and as a result all trips and flights with the company were cancelled.
It comes after the brand, which organized tailor-made and small-group trips to countries, among others Thailand, China, India, Japan and Singaporeresolved earlier this month.
About the Civil Aviation Authority’s ATOL errors pageAccording to the company, which was based in Ipswich, it traded as Asiara Holidays and the website www.asiara-holidays.com.
Other travel agencies have also closed their doors this year, including Simply Florida Travel Ltd, which offered trips to Disney World, among other things
Golden Crest Holidays
Gold Crest Holidays, based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, confirmed that it has ceased trading and entered voluntary liquidation with immediate effect on January 23.
The family bus tour operator specialized in trips to destinations such as Disneyland Paris, European city trips and major sporting events.
At the time, the company’s website said: ‘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 voluntarily liquidate.
‘This difficult decision follows the serious impact of the… COVID-19 pandemic, strategic changes in key partner agreements that negatively impacted our business, and a challenging trading environment with significantly increasing costs.
‘We are extremely grateful to our loyal customers, travel agents, suppliers and dedicated employees for your support over the years. We sincerely regret that we can no longer continue.”
Tailor-made travel
After 15 years in business, Travel Bespoke Ltd ceased trading as an ATOL holder on May 29. Previously based in Midhurst, the company specialized in ski and spa holidays, offering flights and package holidays.
CEO Andrew Valentine said in a statement: “For almost three decades, GVI has been much more than just an organization. It has been a global family with a shared vision, committed to making a lasting difference in our world.
‘It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I write to share that GVI is closing its doors today.
“This is a deeply sad conclusion to a remarkable journey, but as we navigate this final chapter, we look back with immense pride and gratitude on all we have achieved together.”
Travel Bespoke Ltd ceased trading earlier this year and specialized in ski and spa holidays
Ski Yodl
Ski Yodl Ltd, founded in 2018, went into voluntary administration in July. The Norwich-based company previously offered ski holiday packages to destinations such as the French Alps.
Travel fairer
Wayfairer Travel previously specialized in package holidays to various destinations, from Africa to Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
It offered trips including safari holidays, adventure getaways and luxury alternatives. However, the company, founded in 2012, recently announced that it would close its doors ‘until further notice’.
A statement from the company said: ‘We are truly sorry for the concern and uncertainty caused by the current situation.
‘Wayfairer Travel has currently suspended all services until further notice.
‘At this stage we cannot provide any further information until we have received appropriate accounting and legal advice.
“These discussions are currently ongoing and we expect to provide a formal update during the week of August 31st.
“We appreciate your patience and sincerely apologize that we are unable to provide greater clarity at this time.”
