A well-known travel firm has declared it has stopped trading after over 30 years. Gold Crest Holidays, based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, has confirmed it ceased operations with immediate effect on January 23, 2026, and is "deeply saddened" to have entered voluntary liquidation.

The family-run coach tour operator, which specialised in trips to Disneyland Paris, European city breaks, and major sporting events, cited a mix of financial pressures as the reason for the closure. Gold Crest Holidays, which also operated under the names Advent, Advent Tours and Overseas Dream Weddings, has stated that all future departures are cancelled and that ABTA will manage refunds.

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The firm said the decision came after the "severe" impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, changes to key business arrangements and a challenging trading environment driven by sharply escalating costs. The company announced on its website on January 23 that it has stopped trading. The business thanked customers, travel agents, suppliers and staff for their loyalty over the years, adding that it was "deeply saddened" to be unable to continue trading, reports the Express.

The notice on the website reads: "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.

"This difficult decision follows the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, strategic changes in key partner arrangements that adversely affected our business, and a challenging trading environment with significantly rising costs.

"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."

A statement for customers on ABTA's website also reads: "We are sorry to inform you that Gold Crest Holidays Ltd, also trading as Advent, Advent Tours and Overseas Dream Weddings, ceased trading on 23 January 2026 and we are now treating this company as a financial failure. We regret that all future packages have been cancelled. If you are holding tickets for certain events, these may still be valid, and you can contact the event organisers to check this. You will, however, have to make alternative travel and accommodation arrangements.

"If you have booked travel arrangements with Gold Crest Holidays Ltd, you should follow the advice set out below. Customers who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent before following the guidance below. Your travel agent will need to provide some information to us to assist with your claim. Customers who booked and paid Gold Crest Holidays by credit card should download a credit card referral letter and send to their credit card issuer for a refund."

Gold Crest Holidays has earned a solid reputation among its clientele, with the majority of Trustpilot reviews awarding the company a five-star rating.

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